President Donald Trump has approved steep tariffs on imports of solar panels and washing machines to protect US producers, triggering an outcry in China and South Korea and even protests at home.

Seoul said Tuesday it planned to take the issue to the World Trade Organization while Beijing expressed &quot;strong dissatisfaction&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Together with other WTO members, China will resolutely defend its legitimate interests,&quot; its commerce ministry warned, without indicating any specific counteraction.

At home in the US, the move was decried by the solar industry, which said the tariffs would create a &quot;crisis&quot; and cost thousands of US jobs and billions in investment without helping domestic suppliers meet rising demand.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the tariffs were imposed after an &quot;exhaustive&quot; review by USTR and the independent US International Trade Commission, which determined that US producers were &quot;seriously injured by imports.&quot;

The administration imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports of large washing machines over three years, and up to 30 per cent on solar panels over four years.

South Korea, which has signed a free trade deal with the US and is a crucial ally in Washington&#39;s confrontation with North Korea, said it would a file a petition at the WTO.

Its Trade Minister Kim Hyun-Chong said the tariffs were &quot;excessive&quot; and may constitute a &quot;violation of WTO provisions.&quot;

Samsung, South Korea&#39;s biggest firm, said the tariffs were &quot;a tax on every consumer who wants to buy a washing machine.&quot;

&quot;Millions of Americans love their LG washers,&quot; said another South Korean company, LG Electronics, taking umbrage at the decision.&nbsp;

&quot;Consumers should be the ones to decide what washers they want.&quot;

Friction with China

Last year Trump launched dozens of trade cases, taking what his commerce department called &quot;unprecedented&quot; action on trade.

Many have targeted China, the United States&#39; biggest trade partner, which last year ran a record surplus with the US, inciting new ire from Trump.

Targeting Chinese imports can cut both ways for the US.

Imports of cheap Chinese panels helped triple US annual solar electricity generation between 2012 and 2016. But they also drove prices down by 60 percent, causing most US producers to stop production or declare bankruptcy, the USTR said.

The rising imports were spurred by China&#39;s use of state incentives, subsidies and tariffs, and manufacturers have evaded compensatory US tariffs by repeatedly shifting production to new countries, USTR said.

Chinese-made washing machine imports led to a &quot;substantial&quot; decline in market share for US producers, according to USTR.

The director of the Chinese commerce ministry&#39;s trade and remedy investigation bureau said in a statement the US tariffs &quot;not only aroused the concern of many trading partners but were also strongly opposed by many local governments and downstream enterprises in the US&quot;.

&#39;Disappointment&#39; among solar industry&nbsp; 
The US investigation into solar imports was launched following complaints from US companies Suniva, a bankrupt Chinese-owned firm, and SolarWorld, owned by a German concern that declared insolvency in May.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) said its members expressed &quot;disappointment&quot; at the decision.

The new tariffs will cause the loss of about 23,000 American jobs and the cancelation or delay of billions of dollars in solar investment, the group said in a statement.

The tariffs will not help meet US demand but &quot;will create a crisis in a part of our economy that has been thriving, which will ultimately cost tens of thousands of hard-working, blue-collar Americans their jobs,&quot; said SEIA president Abigail Ross Hopper. 
&nbsp;

Seoul said Tuesday it planned to take the issue to the World Trade Organization while Beijing expressed 'strong dissatisfaction'

President Donald Trump has approved steep tariffs on imports of solar panels and washing machines to protect US producers, triggering an outcry in China and South Korea and even protests at home. Seoul said Tuesday it planned to take the issue to the World Trade Organization while Beijing expressed "strong dissatisfaction". "Together with other WTO members, China will resolutely defend its legitimate interests," its commerce ministry warned, without indicating any specific counteraction. At home in the US, the move was decried by the solar industry, which said the tariffs would create a "crisis" and cost thousands of US jobs and billions in investment without helping domestic suppliers meet rising demand. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the tariffs were imposed after an "exhaustive" review by USTR and the independent US International Trade Commission, which determined that US producers were "seriously injured by imports." The administration imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports of large washing machines over three years, and up to 30 per cent on solar panels over four years. South Korea, which has signed a free trade deal with the US and is a crucial ally in Washington's confrontation with North Korea, said it would a file a petition at the WTO. Its Trade Minister Kim Hyun-Chong said the tariffs were "excessive" and may constitute a "violation of WTO provisions." Samsung, South Korea's biggest firm, said the tariffs were "a tax on every consumer who wants to buy a washing machine." "Millions of Americans love their LG washers," said another South Korean company, LG Electronics, taking umbrage at the decision. "Consumers should be the ones to decide what washers they want." Friction with China Last year Trump launched dozens of trade cases, taking what his commerce department called "unprecedented" action on trade. Many have targeted China, the United States' biggest trade partner, which last year ran a record surplus with the US, inciting new ire from Trump. Targeting Chinese imports can cut both ways for the US. Imports of cheap Chinese panels helped triple US annual solar electricity generation between 2012 and 2016. But they also drove prices down by 60 percent, causing most US producers to stop production or declare bankruptcy, the USTR said. The rising imports were spurred by China's use of state incentives, subsidies and tariffs, and manufacturers have evaded compensatory US tariffs by repeatedly shifting production to new countries, USTR said. Chinese-made washing machine imports led to a "substantial" decline in market share for US producers, according to USTR. The director of the Chinese commerce ministry's trade and remedy investigation bureau said in a statement the US tariffs "not only aroused the concern of many trading partners but were also strongly opposed by many local governments and downstream enterprises in the US". 'Disappointment' among solar industry The US investigation into solar imports was launched following complaints from US companies Suniva, a bankrupt Chinese-owned firm, and SolarWorld, owned by a German concern that declared insolvency in May. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) said its members expressed "disappointment" at the decision. The new tariffs will cause the loss of about 23,000 American jobs and the cancelation or delay of billions of dollars in solar investment, the group said in a statement. The tariffs will not help meet US demand but "will create a crisis in a part of our economy that has been thriving, which will ultimately cost tens of thousands of hard-working, blue-collar Americans their jobs," said SEIA president Abigail Ross Hopper.

Trump angers China, South Korea with new trade tariffs

Twitter Inc, which is reviewing Russian interference during the 2016 US&nbsp;elections, said on Friday it would notify some of its users if they come across content generated by a suspected Russian propaganda service.

The company said it would email 677,775 people in the United States who followed, retweeted or liked content from accounts linked with the Internet Research Agency (IRA) during the election.

The IRA is a Russian organization that according to lawmakers and researchers, employs hundreds of people to push pro-Kremlin content under anonymous social media accounts.

Twitter added that because it has already suspended these accounts, the relevant content is no longer publicly available on its platform.

The company in September said it had suspended about 200 Russian-linked accounts, and followed it by suspending adverts from media outlets Russia Today and Sputnik in October.

The top Democrat on the US&nbsp;House of Representatives intelligence committee on Friday praised Twitter&#39;s move and urged technology companies to keep looking into abuse of their platforms by Russia during the 2016 elections.

&quot;The Committee&rsquo;s open hearing last November with Twitter, Facebook and Google revealed the extent to which the Russians exploited vulnerabilities inherent in the openness of our society and social media platforms, and it is vital these companies are transparent with users who were likely exposed to Kremlin propaganda and disinformation,&quot; Representative Adam Schiff said in a statement.

Senator Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate intelligence panel, echoed this view, tweeting: &quot;I&#39;ve been tough with Twitter on this, but I&#39;m encouraged to see the company beginning to take responsibility and notify its users of Russia&#39;s influence on its platform.&quot;

The company said it would email 677,775 people in the United States who followed, retweeted or liked content from accounts associated with the Internet Research Agency (IRA) during the election

Twitter Inc, which is reviewing Russian interference during the 2016 US elections, said on Friday it would notify some of its users if they come across content generated by a suspected Russian propaganda service. The company said it would email 677,775 people in the United States who followed, retweeted or liked content from accounts linked with the Internet Research Agency (IRA) during the election. The IRA is a Russian organization that according to lawmakers and researchers, employs hundreds of people to push pro-Kremlin content under anonymous social media accounts. Twitter added that because it has already suspended these accounts, the relevant content is no longer publicly available on its platform. The company in September said it had suspended about 200 Russian-linked accounts, and followed it by suspending adverts from media outlets Russia Today and Sputnik in October. The top Democrat on the US House of Representatives intelligence committee on Friday praised Twitter's move and urged technology companies to keep looking into abuse of their platforms by Russia during the 2016 elections. "The Committee’s open hearing last November with Twitter, Facebook and Google revealed the extent to which the Russians exploited vulnerabilities inherent in the openness of our society and social media platforms, and it is vital these companies are transparent with users who were likely exposed to Kremlin propaganda and disinformation," Representative Adam Schiff said in a statement. Senator Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate intelligence panel, echoed this view, tweeting: "I've been tough with Twitter on this, but I'm encouraged to see the company beginning to take responsibility and notify its users of Russia's influence on its platform."

Twitter to notify users exposed to Russian propaganda during US elections

In his debut appearance at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump on Friday offered &quot;America&#39;s friendship and partnership&quot; to the world, stating that &quot;America First does not mean America alone.&quot;

&quot;As President of the United States, I will always put America first. America first does not mean America alone. When the United States grows, so does the world,&quot; President Trump&nbsp;told his audience of politicians and leaders of industry, technology and finance.

The US President also told his audience that the though the United States was more attractive than ever to foreign investment under his year-old presidency, there <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-tell-davos-us-wants-free-but-fair-trade-aide-30835">could not be free and open trade</a> if some countries exploited the system.

&quot;We cannot have free and open trade if some countries exploit the system at the expense of others,&quot; the US President said.

&quot;We support free trade but it needs to be fair and it needs to be reciprocal. The United States will no longer turn a blind eye to unfair economic practices,&quot; he said.

President Trump pitched a strong and prosperous America to the world and said the country was &quot;competitive once again.&quot;

&quot;The world is experiencing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America. America is open for business and we are competitive once again,&quot; he said.

The US President, however, drew boos from the audience, when he attacked the media, calling them &quot;vicious&quot; and accusing them of reporting &quot;fake&quot; news.

&quot;It wasn&#39;t until I became a politician that I realised how nasty, how mean, how vicious and how fake the press can be,&quot; Trump said, drawing boos from the hall where hundreds of delegates were seated.&nbsp;

The US President Donald Trump also informed that US-backed coalition forces had won back almost 100 per cent of territory occupied by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Working with allies and partners to destroy jihadist terrorist organisations like the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. US leading broad coalition to destroy terrorists&#39;&nbsp;control of their territory. Pleased to inform coalition to destroy ISIS has retaken 100% of territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria,&quot; President Trump said.

(With inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

Trump told his audience that the United States was more attractive than ever to foreign investment under his year-old presidency.

In his debut appearance at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, US President Donald Trump on Friday offered "America's friendship and partnership" to the world, stating that "America First does not mean America alone." "As President of the United States, I will always put America first. America first does not mean America alone. When the United States grows, so does the world," President Trump told his audience of politicians and leaders of industry, technology and finance. The US President also told his audience that the though the United States was more attractive than ever to foreign investment under his year-old presidency, there could not be free and open trade if some countries exploited the system. "We cannot have free and open trade if some countries exploit the system at the expense of others," the US President said. "We support free trade but it needs to be fair and it needs to be reciprocal. The United States will no longer turn a blind eye to unfair economic practices," he said. President Trump pitched a strong and prosperous America to the world and said the country was "competitive once again." "The world is experiencing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America. America is open for business and we are competitive once again," he said. The US President, however, drew boos from the audience, when he attacked the media, calling them "vicious" and accusing them of reporting "fake" news. "It wasn't until I became a politician that I realised how nasty, how mean, how vicious and how fake the press can be," Trump said, drawing boos from the hall where hundreds of delegates were seated. The US President Donald Trump also informed that US-backed coalition forces had won back almost 100 per cent of territory occupied by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Working with allies and partners to destroy jihadist terrorist organisations like the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. US leading broad coalition to destroy terrorists' control of their territory. Pleased to inform coalition to destroy ISIS has retaken 100% of territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria," President Trump said. (With inputs from AFP)

'America First does not mean America alone': Trump at Davos

President Donald Trump&#39;s dinner with a European business delegation in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meeting was attended by three Indian-origin CEOs.

They included Vas Narasimhan from Novartis, Rajeev Suri from Nokia and Punit Renjen from Deloitte.

Narasimhan was named Novartis CEO in September 2017. Singaporean citizen Suri is now based in Finland. He is the student of Manipal Institute of Technology.

Rohtak-born Punit Renjen has been CEO of Deloitt since June 2015.

Trump, in all, had invited 15 top European CEOs to discuss business and encourage them to invest in the US as part of his efforts to strengthen the American economy.

During the dinner, he spoke about the thriving US economy ?- crediting his tax policies, deregulation and his role as a cheerleader for American business.

The American delegation was attended by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielson, National Security Advisor H R McMaster and Dire of the National Economic Council Gary Cohen.&nbsp;

The CEOs included Vas Narasimhan from Novartis, Rajeev Suri from Nokia, and Punit Renjen from Deloitte

President Donald Trump's dinner with a European business delegation in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meeting was attended by three Indian-origin CEOs. They included Vas Narasimhan from Novartis, Rajeev Suri from Nokia and Punit Renjen from Deloitte. Narasimhan was named Novartis CEO in September 2017. Singaporean citizen Suri is now based in Finland. He is the student of Manipal Institute of Technology. Rohtak-born Punit Renjen has been CEO of Deloitt since June 2015. Trump, in all, had invited 15 top European CEOs to discuss business and encourage them to invest in the US as part of his efforts to strengthen the American economy. During the dinner, he spoke about the thriving US economy ?- crediting his tax policies, deregulation and his role as a cheerleader for American business. The American delegation was attended by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielson, National Security Advisor H R McMaster and Dire of the National Economic Council Gary Cohen.

Three Indian-origin CEOs dine with Trump at Davos

President Donald Trump has completed one year in office. When he entered the Oval Office of the White House in the US capital on 20 January 2017, a large number of Americans within the US and a vast number of countries in the world did not expect business as usual.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Many Americans were concerned that if Trump would implement all of his campaign promises, the country would face a political divide that would be difficult to heal for years. The Hispanics, African-Americans, Americans of Muslim faith, immigrants, temporary workers and poor white workers were particularly worried about a White House under the Trump Administration.

&nbsp;

Uncertainty engulfed the world about the probable US approach to issues of peace, security and development. Both American allies and adversaries faced difficulty in communicating with the new US President. It was because Donald Trump, the presidential candidate, had hardly any positive message for the allies and the perceived US adversaries knew that a Trump Administration would more likely escalate the conflict with them than seek resolution of differences.

&nbsp;

One year after Trump became President, the United States remains socially and politically divided from within. An intense cold war is ravaging on between Trump and the mainstream media. The minorities, immigrants and the poor appear disappointed over Trumpean policies. Many believe that President Trump suffers from personality problem, though the President declares himself to be a &ldquo;stable genius.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In foreign affairs, there is still no clarity over his policy approaches and strategies. Analysts have no clue about the direction of US foreign policy and international engagements. Critics in the US and abroad have kept bombarding the Trump Administration for its frequent shift in policy statements and ambiguous policies over North Korea, China, Iran, NATO, NAFTA etc. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Amidst all these complexities and uncertainties, Trump&#39;s followers and admirers have a different take. He is regarded as a leader who has delivered what he promised. He promised to build a wall along the US-Mexican border and seems determined to do so. The US Congress has also authorised a few billion dollars for this purpose.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Secondly, he was a critic of the Iran nuclear deal, calling it a &ldquo;bad deal&rdquo;. He has stuck to his position and not extended his support to it; and, in fact, has sought to isolate the Iranian regime further.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Third, he was dead opposed to the way his predecessors&nbsp;handled the North Korean nuclear programme. He took a very hostile and aggressive stance on the &ldquo;little rocket man&rdquo; of Pyongyang, threatening to demonstrate &ldquo;fire and fury&rdquo; against North Korea and, perhaps, take&nbsp;some credit for Pyongyang&rsquo;s decision to send the athletes to join the Olympics along with South Korean counterparts.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fourth, he takes credit for arm-twisting military allies in the Atlantic and the Pacific to pay more for the common defense. He also spoke of his secret plan to eliminate the ISIS during the election campaign and now has been credited for the steady demise of ISIS influence in the Middle East.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He promised to back Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and did so in the face of massive international opposition. Seventh, he criticised Obama for declaring withdrawal deadlines for US military from Afghanistan and, thus, empowering Taliban. Once in office, he reversed that policy, increased the troop&#39;s presence and showed determination to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the domestic arena, Trump Administration takes credit for the improvement in the employment situation, economic growth and for ensuring the passage of the massive tax reform legislation in about 30 years. His tightening of the immigration policy has brought cheers to a section of the American citizens who voted for him.

&nbsp;

While Trump will remain a controversial figure in the US and elsewhere in the world, his approach towards India has been comparatively quite positive. First, there is no possibility of Trump backing the creation of a G2 world with China. Second, Trump&rsquo;s pressure on Pakistan through aid cutoff may have some positive impact in the region. Third, the chemistry between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi has been quite positive. Fourth, the National Security Strategy Report issued by the Trump Administration has elevated India&rsquo;s position as a great global power and has given the glimpse of its aspiration to deepen strategic and defense partnership with India for maintenance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategic concept of Indo-Pacific replaces &ldquo;Asia-Pacific&rdquo; and it is very much in Indian interest. The decision of the Trump White House not to push for a revision of H1B visa rules has augured well for the positive trajectory of Indo-US bilateral relations in coming years.

&nbsp;

However, both Prime Minister Modi and President Trump give priority of place to economic growth as an important dimension of national security and, thus, Indo-US differences over economic issues are bound to remain and create periodic irritation in bilateral ties.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

While Trump will remain a controversial figure in the US and elsewhere in the world, his approach towards India has been comparatively quite positive.

President Donald Trump has completed one year in office. When he entered the Oval Office of the White House in the US capital on 20 January 2017, a large number of Americans within the US and a vast number of countries in the world did not expect business as usual. Many Americans were concerned that if Trump would implement all of his campaign promises, the country would face a political divide that would be difficult to heal for years. The Hispanics, African-Americans, Americans of Muslim faith, immigrants, temporary workers and poor white workers were particularly worried about a White House under the Trump Administration. Uncertainty engulfed the world about the probable US approach to issues of peace, security and development. Both American allies and adversaries faced difficulty in communicating with the new US President. It was because Donald Trump, the presidential candidate, had hardly any positive message for the allies and the perceived US adversaries knew that a Trump Administration would more likely escalate the conflict with them than seek resolution of differences. One year after Trump became President, the United States remains socially and politically divided from within. An intense cold war is ravaging on between Trump and the mainstream media. The minorities, immigrants and the poor appear disappointed over Trumpean policies. Many believe that President Trump suffers from personality problem, though the President declares himself to be a “stable genius.” In foreign affairs, there is still no clarity over his policy approaches and strategies. Analysts have no clue about the direction of US foreign policy and international engagements. Critics in the US and abroad have kept bombarding the Trump Administration for its frequent shift in policy statements and ambiguous policies over North Korea, China, Iran, NATO, NAFTA etc. Amidst all these complexities and uncertainties, Trump's followers and admirers have a different take. He is regarded as a leader who has delivered what he promised. He promised to build a wall along the US-Mexican border and seems determined to do so. The US Congress has also authorised a few billion dollars for this purpose. Secondly, he was a critic of the Iran nuclear deal, calling it a “bad deal”. He has stuck to his position and not extended his support to it; and, in fact, has sought to isolate the Iranian regime further. Third, he was dead opposed to the way his predecessors handled the North Korean nuclear programme. He took a very hostile and aggressive stance on the “little rocket man” of Pyongyang, threatening to demonstrate “fire and fury” against North Korea and, perhaps, take some credit for Pyongyang’s decision to send the athletes to join the Olympics along with South Korean counterparts. Fourth, he takes credit for arm-twisting military allies in the Atlantic and the Pacific to pay more for the common defense. He also spoke of his secret plan to eliminate the ISIS during the election campaign and now has been credited for the steady demise of ISIS influence in the Middle East. He promised to back Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and did so in the face of massive international opposition. Seventh, he criticised Obama for declaring withdrawal deadlines for US military from Afghanistan and, thus, empowering Taliban. Once in office, he reversed that policy, increased the troop's presence and showed determination to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table. In the domestic arena, Trump Administration takes credit for the improvement in the employment situation, economic growth and for ensuring the passage of the massive tax reform legislation in about 30 years. His tightening of the immigration policy has brought cheers to a section of the American citizens who voted for him. While Trump will remain a controversial figure in the US and elsewhere in the world, his approach towards India has been comparatively quite positive. First, there is no possibility of Trump backing the creation of a G2 world with China. Second, Trump’s pressure on Pakistan through aid cutoff may have some positive impact in the region. Third, the chemistry between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi has been quite positive. Fourth, the National Security Strategy Report issued by the Trump Administration has elevated India’s position as a great global power and has given the glimpse of its aspiration to deepen strategic and defense partnership with India for maintenance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategic concept of Indo-Pacific replaces “Asia-Pacific” and it is very much in Indian interest. The decision of the Trump White House not to push for a revision of H1B visa rules has augured well for the positive trajectory of Indo-US bilateral relations in coming years. However, both Prime Minister Modi and President Trump give priority of place to economic growth as an important dimension of national security and, thus, Indo-US differences over economic issues are bound to remain and create periodic irritation in bilateral ties. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Trump shares a cordial relationship with Modi but leaves the world confused

It is hard to imagine that most Americans have survived a year under the weight of a chaotic presidency. A year ago, the American political landscape was permanently transformed when Donald Trump was elected its 45th President. Trump rose to power by channeling the worst xenophobic and misogynist impulses that had, for long, stayed dormant in American society.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

His economic platform was heavily protectionist and the social one, a dog-whistle to white supremacists. He brought with him a history of sexual misconduct, displayed little grace in international diplomacy, demonstrated a shocking ignorance of American and international politics, and in the past year, has essentially ceded much of America&rsquo;s global leadership.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Moving forward, the Trump presidency is likely to further damage the credibility of American political institutions and destabilize the liberal international order. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

A year into the Trump presidency reveals several dangerous trends.&nbsp;

First, the president has shown little regard for America&rsquo;s most cherished political institutions &ndash; in particular &ndash; a free press and law enforcement. The liberal press has come under heavy attack for seeking accountability on facts. In what has turned into an hourly ritual, the president takes to social media where he attacks, vilifies, and spreads false information about the press, sowing confusion and breeding ignorance among the average American public.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Intelligence officials and law enforcement agencies have faced similar persecution. The unceremonious dismissal of the FBI Director, James Comey, in May 2017, for investigating the Trump presidency&rsquo;s links to Russia, was a remarkable abuse of political power. Donald Trump&rsquo;s strong-arm tactics, threats, and coercion signal a dark new reality. America is slowly but surely embracing authoritarianism. A reckless and power-hungry president with no respect for checks and balances threatens to seriously weaken American institutions and some critics correctly predict a possible constitutional crisis emerging soon.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Second, the Trump presidency has become synonymous with reclaiming white nationalism, evident in the president&rsquo;s inclination for harsh immigration policies (recall the Muslim ban, &ldquo;building the wall&rdquo; with Mexico) and his recent statements disparaging immigrants from non-white countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A combination of exclusionary policies and toxic rhetoric carries a ringing endorsement that unless you are white, you are not American. The Republican party shows signs of moral decay, failing to call out the president on his actions and is complicit in aiding a white nationalist agenda.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Third, Donald Trump believes America needs a stronger military to win its wars. This means a more muscular approach in foreign policy, sharp increases in defense expenditure, more bombs, more weapons, but little reflection on the lessons of history for America&rsquo;s future conduct of war. While the president swears by the American military, his actual policies and statements on transgender troops and women in the military are deeply prejudiced and will dent the image and professionalism of the American military.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

American civil-military relations often appear to be in tension when the president and his advisors make contradictory statements on matters of national security. While both James Mattis, Secretary of Defense, and H.R. McMaster, National Security Advisor, have shown thought and resolve on pressing national security issues like North Korea and Iraq, it is not entirely clear how much influence they can ultimately exercise in shaping policy independent of the president&rsquo;s political preferences.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Finally, America&rsquo;s image as the leader of the free world has suffered a major debacle abroad. An understaffed State Department, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, and a less prominent role in the United Nations are some of the many diplomatic failings of this presidency pointing to the growing absence of global American leadership.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What might a Trump presidency mean for India?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The answer here is hard to predict as little value can be placed on the words of an unpredictable megalomaniac. It is unlikely that the Trump administration will significantly deviate from the Obama administration&rsquo;s approach to India. Cooperation in defense, trade, and technology will continue as before and the two countries will continue to maintain a viable partnership.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The only decisive shift affecting foreign relations of both countries could emerge on the Pakistan front. In recent months and weeks, Trump has taken a much harder line on Pakistan than previous administrations. He has communicated a strong desire to dismantle terrorist groups, called Pakistan a state-sponsor of terrorism, and in the last few weeks, withdrawn aid to the country. Trump&rsquo;s pressure on Pakistan has been welcomed by many of India&rsquo;s top political leaders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While this works in favor of Indian security interests, it would be profoundly unwise for India to predicate its Pakistan policy around Donald Trump&rsquo;s plan to isolate Pakistan. As much as Trump believes, in theory, that Pakistan can be backed into a corner, it will be much harder, in fact, for the United States to sever all ties with Pakistan. The United States will require Pakistan&rsquo;s support to fight terrorism in some form and it would be prudent for India to not allow America&rsquo;s relationship with Pakistan to be the defining benchmark of its relationship with both. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

A separate and troubling moral question the Trump presidency poses for India is whether India is going to ignore the revival of white nationalism at its own peril to embrace its security interests first. America has a large Indian-American immigrant population who will, undoubtedly, be seriously impacted by Trump&rsquo;s immigration policies.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tata Consultancy, India&rsquo;s largest software exporter, has already expressed serious concerns over the administration&rsquo;s unclear and draconian H1-B policy. Since Trump became president, Indian communities have also been threatened and persecuted by resurgent white nationalist groups. Some have even been murdered. Case in point: Srinivas Kuchibhotla, a 32-year-old Indian immigrant who was shot to death in Olathe, Kansas by a white nationalist.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There are important moral questions for the future of Indians living in America that are equally vital for India to consider in its current relationship with the United States. White nationalism is a scourge and India is no stranger to the legacy of colonialism. To secure a stronger economic future with America, it should not compromise its moral standing in the world.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump administration will not significantly deviate from the Obama administration’s approach to India. Cooperation in defense, trade, and technology will continue as before.

It is hard to imagine that most Americans have survived a year under the weight of a chaotic presidency. A year ago, the American political landscape was permanently transformed when Donald Trump was elected its 45th President. Trump rose to power by channeling the worst xenophobic and misogynist impulses that had, for long, stayed dormant in American society. His economic platform was heavily protectionist and the social one, a dog-whistle to white supremacists. He brought with him a history of sexual misconduct, displayed little grace in international diplomacy, demonstrated a shocking ignorance of American and international politics, and in the past year, has essentially ceded much of America’s global leadership. Moving forward, the Trump presidency is likely to further damage the credibility of American political institutions and destabilize the liberal international order. A year into the Trump presidency reveals several dangerous trends. First, the president has shown little regard for America’s most cherished political institutions – in particular – a free press and law enforcement. The liberal press has come under heavy attack for seeking accountability on facts. In what has turned into an hourly ritual, the president takes to social media where he attacks, vilifies, and spreads false information about the press, sowing confusion and breeding ignorance among the average American public. Intelligence officials and law enforcement agencies have faced similar persecution. The unceremonious dismissal of the FBI Director, James Comey, in May 2017, for investigating the Trump presidency’s links to Russia, was a remarkable abuse of political power. Donald Trump’s strong-arm tactics, threats, and coercion signal a dark new reality. America is slowly but surely embracing authoritarianism. A reckless and power-hungry president with no respect for checks and balances threatens to seriously weaken American institutions and some critics correctly predict a possible constitutional crisis emerging soon. Second, the Trump presidency has become synonymous with reclaiming white nationalism, evident in the president’s inclination for harsh immigration policies (recall the Muslim ban, “building the wall” with Mexico) and his recent statements disparaging immigrants from non-white countries. A combination of exclusionary policies and toxic rhetoric carries a ringing endorsement that unless you are white, you are not American. The Republican party shows signs of moral decay, failing to call out the president on his actions and is complicit in aiding a white nationalist agenda. Third, Donald Trump believes America needs a stronger military to win its wars. This means a more muscular approach in foreign policy, sharp increases in defense expenditure, more bombs, more weapons, but little reflection on the lessons of history for America’s future conduct of war. While the president swears by the American military, his actual policies and statements on transgender troops and women in the military are deeply prejudiced and will dent the image and professionalism of the American military. American civil-military relations often appear to be in tension when the president and his advisors make contradictory statements on matters of national security. While both James Mattis, Secretary of Defense, and H.R. McMaster, National Security Advisor, have shown thought and resolve on pressing national security issues like North Korea and Iraq, it is not entirely clear how much influence they can ultimately exercise in shaping policy independent of the president’s political preferences. Finally, America’s image as the leader of the free world has suffered a major debacle abroad. An understaffed State Department, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, and a less prominent role in the United Nations are some of the many diplomatic failings of this presidency pointing to the growing absence of global American leadership. What might a Trump presidency mean for India? The answer here is hard to predict as little value can be placed on the words of an unpredictable megalomaniac. It is unlikely that the Trump administration will significantly deviate from the Obama administration’s approach to India. Cooperation in defense, trade, and technology will continue as before and the two countries will continue to maintain a viable partnership. The only decisive shift affecting foreign relations of both countries could emerge on the Pakistan front. In recent months and weeks, Trump has taken a much harder line on Pakistan than previous administrations. He has communicated a strong desire to dismantle terrorist groups, called Pakistan a state-sponsor of terrorism, and in the last few weeks, withdrawn aid to the country. Trump’s pressure on Pakistan has been welcomed by many of India’s top political leaders. While this works in favor of Indian security interests, it would be profoundly unwise for India to predicate its Pakistan policy around Donald Trump’s plan to isolate Pakistan. As much as Trump believes, in theory, that Pakistan can be backed into a corner, it will be much harder, in fact, for the United States to sever all ties with Pakistan. The United States will require Pakistan’s support to fight terrorism in some form and it would be prudent for India to not allow America’s relationship with Pakistan to be the defining benchmark of its relationship with both. A separate and troubling moral question the Trump presidency poses for India is whether India is going to ignore the revival of white nationalism at its own peril to embrace its security interests first. America has a large Indian-American immigrant population who will, undoubtedly, be seriously impacted by Trump’s immigration policies. Tata Consultancy, India’s largest software exporter, has already expressed serious concerns over the administration’s unclear and draconian H1-B policy. Since Trump became president, Indian communities have also been threatened and persecuted by resurgent white nationalist groups. Some have even been murdered. Case in point: Srinivas Kuchibhotla, a 32-year-old Indian immigrant who was shot to death in Olathe, Kansas by a white nationalist. There are important moral questions for the future of Indians living in America that are equally vital for India to consider in its current relationship with the United States. White nationalism is a scourge and India is no stranger to the legacy of colonialism. To secure a stronger economic future with America, it should not compromise its moral standing in the world. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: What might a Trump presidency mean for India and US?

President Donald Trump on Friday told the anti-abortion protesters that it&#39;s not correct for babies to be &quot;born&quot;&nbsp;in the ninth month of pregnancy.&nbsp;

Trump was addressing the &quot;March for Life&quot; rally at the National Mall, in the United States.&nbsp;

Trump said, &quot;right now, in a number of states, the laws allow a baby to be born from his or her mother&#39;s womb in the ninth month. It is wrong, it has to change.&quot;

As per news reports, Trump&#39;s &quot;mistakenly&quot; commented saying &quot;born&quot;, instead he meant &quot;torn&quot; in reference to late-term abortion.&nbsp;

He had previously criticised Hillary Clinton&#39;s support of abortion rights, saying &quot;you can take the baby and rip the baby out of the womb in the ninth month, on the final day.&quot;&nbsp;

Hillary told Trump at the time: &quot;that is not what happens in these cases, and using that kind of scare rhetoric is just terribly unfortunate.&quot;&nbsp;

Trump&rsquo;s mistake was mocked by critics on Twitter with some saying that he is mentally unfit to be president.

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Trump said &quot;Babies shouldn&#39;t be born in the 9th month&quot; 
I think this means we still have a chance to abort Trump
&mdash; Franco Harris (@itsfrancoharris) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsfrancoharris/status/954564119050489856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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And it&#39;s trump. So you can&#39;t just say it&#39;s obvious. The man is an idiot and he could actually be talking about babies born in September
&mdash; XB (@KidTiger__) <a href="https://twitter.com/KidTiger__/status/954593443480707072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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At least those babies born at 9 months will see a full term, unlike Trump.
&mdash; Dave Jones ????????????????????????????????️&zwj;???? (@WelshGasDoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/WelshGasDoc/status/954478261849022471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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trump has never changed a baby&#39;s diaper in his life because he thinks raising children is women&#39;s work. 
 
But there he is, pretending he cares about babies. He&#39;s not even going to pretend he cares about women. We all know he doesn&#39;t. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchForLife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchForLife</a>
&mdash; Aღanda (@GrnEyedMandy) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrnEyedMandy/status/954466079224598528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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For Trump, who has been pro-abortion all of his life, to address the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchforLife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchforLife</a> is a total insult. With his constant adultery, how many babies has he demanded aborted to save his ass?
&mdash; Trenaway El Daryl (@Trenaway11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trenaway11/status/954441762537271296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Trump said, 'right now, in a number of states, the laws allow a baby to be born from his or her mother's womb in the ninth month. It is wrong, it has to change'

President Donald Trump on Friday told the anti-abortion protesters that it's not correct for babies to be "born" in the ninth month of pregnancy. Trump was addressing the "March for Life" rally at the National Mall, in the United States. Trump said, "right now, in a number of states, the laws allow a baby to be born from his or her mother's womb in the ninth month. It is wrong, it has to change." As per news reports, Trump's "mistakenly" commented saying "born", instead he meant "torn" in reference to late-term abortion. He had previously criticised Hillary Clinton's support of abortion rights, saying "you can take the baby and rip the baby out of the womb in the ninth month, on the final day." Hillary told Trump at the time: "that is not what happens in these cases, and using that kind of scare rhetoric is just terribly unfortunate." Trump’s mistake was mocked by critics on Twitter with some saying that he is mentally unfit to be president. Trump said "Babies shouldn't be born in the 9th month" I think this means we still have a chance to abort Trump — Franco Harris (@itsfrancoharris) January 20, 2018 × And it's trump. So you can't just say it's obvious. The man is an idiot and he could actually be talking about babies born in September — XB (@KidTiger__) January 20, 2018 × At least those babies born at 9 months will see a full term, unlike Trump. — Dave Jones ????????????????????????????????️‍???? (@WelshGasDoc) January 19, 2018 × trump has never changed a baby's diaper in his life because he thinks raising children is women's work. But there he is, pretending he cares about babies. He's not even going to pretend he cares about women. We all know he doesn't. #MarchForLife — Aღanda (@GrnEyedMandy) January 19, 2018 × For Trump, who has been pro-abortion all of his life, to address the #MarchforLife is a total insult. With his constant adultery, how many babies has he demanded aborted to save his ass? — Trenaway El Daryl (@Trenaway11) January 19, 2018 ×

'Wrong' for babies to be 'born' in ninth month: Trump's anti-abortion blooper

US President Donald Trump has proposed to end the visa lottery system in favour of reducing backlogs of highly-skilled workers, a plan which may benefit thousands of Indian IT professionals who currently have several decades of waiting period to get their Green Cards.

If passed by the Congress and signed into law, such a move is expected to significantly reduce the green card backlogs for highly skilled immigrants from India.

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme, which the Trump administration wants to terminate, awards up to 50,000 individuals per year a visa for a green card, which allows permanent residency and is a path to US citizenship.

Trump has been against diversity visa as he believes that this does not attract the best and the brightest to the US.

In recent past, several of the home grown terrorists including prime accused of New York terrorist attacks came either on diversity visa or chain migration.

&quot;Eliminate lottery and reallocate the visas to reduce the family-based &#39;backlog&#39; and high-skilled employment &#39;backlog&#39;,&quot; according to the White House framework on immigration reform and border security released by the Trump administration.

The programme provides green cards for up to 50,000 immigrants each year from countries with low rates of emigration to the US. It is one of the ways that green cards are issued under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The other significant sources of green cards are for family-sponsored immigrants, employment-based immigrants, refugees and people granted asylum.

Diversity visas are allocated geographically.

Nationals of countries from which 50,000 or fewer immigrants came to the US over the previous five years combined are eligible for diversity visas.

Immigrants from any one country may not receive more than seven per cent of diversity visas issued annually.

Given that there are hundreds and thousands of Indian IT professionals waiting in queue to get their green cards because of the current country quota, the relocation of diversity visa numbers to green cards is expected to hugely benefit them.

Immigrants from 18 countries are not eligible for diversity visa because they sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US over the previous five years combined.

The countries are Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, the UK and Vietnam.

The plan may benefit thousands of Indian IT professionals who currently have several decades of waiting period to get their Green Cards

US President Donald Trump has proposed to end the visa lottery system in favour of reducing backlogs of highly-skilled workers, a plan which may benefit thousands of Indian IT professionals who currently have several decades of waiting period to get their Green Cards. If passed by the Congress and signed into law, such a move is expected to significantly reduce the green card backlogs for highly skilled immigrants from India. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme, which the Trump administration wants to terminate, awards up to 50,000 individuals per year a visa for a green card, which allows permanent residency and is a path to US citizenship. Trump has been against diversity visa as he believes that this does not attract the best and the brightest to the US. In recent past, several of the home grown terrorists including prime accused of New York terrorist attacks came either on diversity visa or chain migration. "Eliminate lottery and reallocate the visas to reduce the family-based 'backlog' and high-skilled employment 'backlog'," according to the White House framework on immigration reform and border security released by the Trump administration. The programme provides green cards for up to 50,000 immigrants each year from countries with low rates of emigration to the US. It is one of the ways that green cards are issued under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The other significant sources of green cards are for family-sponsored immigrants, employment-based immigrants, refugees and people granted asylum. Diversity visas are allocated geographically. Nationals of countries from which 50,000 or fewer immigrants came to the US over the previous five years combined are eligible for diversity visas. Immigrants from any one country may not receive more than seven per cent of diversity visas issued annually. Given that there are hundreds and thousands of Indian IT professionals waiting in queue to get their green cards because of the current country quota, the relocation of diversity visa numbers to green cards is expected to hugely benefit them. Immigrants from 18 countries are not eligible for diversity visa because they sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US over the previous five years combined. The countries are Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, the UK and Vietnam.

Trump proposes to end visa lottery; favours skilled workers

European leaders will be out in force at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to defend multilateralism before US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his &quot;America First&quot; message.

Politicians, business chiefs, bankers and celebrities will meet in the Swiss Alps under the banner &quot;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&quot; for the four-day gathering against an unsettling global backdrop.

A decade after the bankruptcy of US investment bank Lehman Brothers helped trigger a global financial crisis, economic growth has returned and stock markets are hitting record highs.

Yet there is a nagging fear among many in Davos that the brighter economic outlook could turn out to be little more than a mirage if the daunting array of geopolitical threats - from protectionism and climate change to cyber attacks and outright war - gather pace in 2018.

&quot;Not all geopolitical threats are threats to financial markets,&quot; Axel Weber, the chairman of Swiss bank UBS and former president of the German Bundesbank told Reuters. &quot;But I agree that there may be a disconnect, which has been going on for some time already and may well continue for some time.&quot;

The Global Risks Report published by the WEF last week showed that many see a heightened risk of political and economic confrontations between major powers this year.

Trump, the first sitting US president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000, is a source of much of this anxiety after a volatile first year in office in which he has turned American foreign policy on its head.

The forum will open on Tuesday with a speech by India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and end on Friday, when Trump is due to address the massive auditorium where Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke last year, offering to fill the global leadership void created by an inward-looking Washington.

White House officials said over the weekend that a government shutdown in the United States was unlikely to prevent Trump from making the trip, although the budget director Mick Mulvaney said it was now &quot;in flux&quot;.

In the days between Modi and Trump, the leaders of Europe&#39;s biggest countries, absent from Davos last year and emboldened by their own economic recovery, will offer an alternative vision to Trump and Xi, who the Europeans say has failed to deliver on his promise of a year ago to open China up to foreign investment.

Europe&#39;s New Star

The charge will be led by French President Emmanuel Macron, the new star of European politics, who in an audacious move, has invited many of the business leaders who will be in Davos to the Palace of Versailles on Monday to press them to invest in France.

When he speaks in Davos on Wednesday, the former investment banker will offer his own &quot;diagnosis&quot; of globalisation and set out a vision for addressing widening inequalities, global warming and the rise of nationalism, his advisers say.

&quot;I don&#39;t think Macron will be able to resist being the counter-Trump,&quot; said Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank in London.

Macron will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, returning to the world stage after months of political limbo at home, and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, back in Davos after a 20-year absence, is also due to speak.

The WEF is a marathon of panel discussions, lunches and cocktail parties that delve into subjects as diverse as terrorism, artificial intelligence and wellness.

This year&#39;s conference will include several sessions on sexual harassment, a nod to the #MeToo movement that erupted after allegations of sexual misconduct by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Criticised in past years for not representing women, the WEF appointed seven female co-chairs this year, including Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ginni Rometty, the CEO of IBM.

Among the other leaders attending are British Prime Minister Theresa May, Israel&#39;s Benjamin Netanyahu and several African leaders, including Zimbabwe&#39;s new president Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Last year, the sole envoy from the Trump camp in the week leading up to his inauguration was Anthony Scaramucci, the New York financier who was sacked after just 10 days as White House communications director.

This year, Trump will be joined by a large US delegation including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

For the first time in years, Iran will not be represented. WEF officials could not say whether the late cancellation by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had anything to do with Trump&#39;s decision to speak.

European leaders will be out in force at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to defend multilateralism before US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his "America First" message.

European leaders will be out in force at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to defend multilateralism before US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his "America First" message. Politicians, business chiefs, bankers and celebrities will meet in the Swiss Alps under the banner "Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World" for the four-day gathering against an unsettling global backdrop. A decade after the bankruptcy of US investment bank Lehman Brothers helped trigger a global financial crisis, economic growth has returned and stock markets are hitting record highs. Yet there is a nagging fear among many in Davos that the brighter economic outlook could turn out to be little more than a mirage if the daunting array of geopolitical threats - from protectionism and climate change to cyber attacks and outright war - gather pace in 2018. "Not all geopolitical threats are threats to financial markets," Axel Weber, the chairman of Swiss bank UBS and former president of the German Bundesbank told Reuters. "But I agree that there may be a disconnect, which has been going on for some time already and may well continue for some time." The Global Risks Report published by the WEF last week showed that many see a heightened risk of political and economic confrontations between major powers this year. Trump, the first sitting US president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000, is a source of much of this anxiety after a volatile first year in office in which he has turned American foreign policy on its head. The forum will open on Tuesday with a speech by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and end on Friday, when Trump is due to address the massive auditorium where Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke last year, offering to fill the global leadership void created by an inward-looking Washington. White House officials said over the weekend that a government shutdown in the United States was unlikely to prevent Trump from making the trip, although the budget director Mick Mulvaney said it was now "in flux". In the days between Modi and Trump, the leaders of Europe's biggest countries, absent from Davos last year and emboldened by their own economic recovery, will offer an alternative vision to Trump and Xi, who the Europeans say has failed to deliver on his promise of a year ago to open China up to foreign investment. Europe's New Star The charge will be led by French President Emmanuel Macron, the new star of European politics, who in an audacious move, has invited many of the business leaders who will be in Davos to the Palace of Versailles on Monday to press them to invest in France. When he speaks in Davos on Wednesday, the former investment banker will offer his own "diagnosis" of globalisation and set out a vision for addressing widening inequalities, global warming and the rise of nationalism, his advisers say. "I don't think Macron will be able to resist being the counter-Trump," said Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank in London. Macron will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, returning to the world stage after months of political limbo at home, and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, back in Davos after a 20-year absence, is also due to speak. The WEF is a marathon of panel discussions, lunches and cocktail parties that delve into subjects as diverse as terrorism, artificial intelligence and wellness. This year's conference will include several sessions on sexual harassment, a nod to the #MeToo movement that erupted after allegations of sexual misconduct by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Criticised in past years for not representing women, the WEF appointed seven female co-chairs this year, including Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ginni Rometty, the CEO of IBM. Among the other leaders attending are British Prime Minister Theresa May, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and several African leaders, including Zimbabwe's new president Emmerson Mnangagwa. Last year, the sole envoy from the Trump camp in the week leading up to his inauguration was Anthony Scaramucci, the New York financier who was sacked after just 10 days as White House communications director. This year, Trump will be joined by a large US delegation including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. For the first time in years, Iran will not be represented. WEF officials could not say whether the late cancellation by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had anything to do with Trump's decision to speak.

Europe readies riposte to Trump's 'America First' push in Davos

The Swiss army and police said on Monday, January 22, the Swiss Alpine town of Davos was ready for US President Donald Trump and the security challenges he brings with him when he comes to address the World Economic Forum.

The annual meeting begins on Tuesday, January 23. Trump&#39;s visit to Davos is the first by a sitting US president since Bill Clinton attended in 2000.

Grisons Cantonal police, who coordinate WEF&#39;s $9.3 million security measures and are liaising with US officials, said at a news conference on Monday they were ready.

A total of 4,400 soldiers have been deployed, an increase of 100 from last year, and airspace is open only to aircraft ferrying participants to the forum.

The Swiss army has begun erecting checkpoints on roads leading into town and armed hillside bivouacs down the valley, scenes to those of previous post-September 11 WEF meetings where security has been paramount.

Trump&#39;s policies, including his intention to exit the 2015 Paris climate accord and his &quot;America First&quot; policy, may not sit well with all of Switzerland, which backs the global climate pact and whose economy relies on global trade.

This has prompted some critics to suggest Trump&#39;s polarising persona could resurrect the violent anti-WEF protests seen in the early 2000s. An online petition is circulating telling Trump he is not welcome.

Although an anti-Trump demonstration is planned for Zurich on Tuesday, Swiss police say poor weather could stop protesters planning a demonstration when Trump arrives on Thursday, January 25. He is scheduled to speak on the last day of the forum on Friday, January 26.

The Swiss army and police said on Monday, January 22, the Swiss Alpine town of Davos was ready for US President Donald Trump and the security challenges he brings with him when he comes to address the World Economic Forum

The Swiss army and police said on Monday, January 22, the Swiss Alpine town of Davos was ready for US President Donald Trump and the security challenges he brings with him when he comes to address the World Economic Forum. The annual meeting begins on Tuesday, January 23. Trump's visit to Davos is the first by a sitting US president since Bill Clinton attended in 2000. Grisons Cantonal police, who coordinate WEF's $9.3 million security measures and are liaising with US officials, said at a news conference on Monday they were ready. A total of 4,400 soldiers have been deployed, an increase of 100 from last year, and airspace is open only to aircraft ferrying participants to the forum. The Swiss army has begun erecting checkpoints on roads leading into town and armed hillside bivouacs down the valley, scenes to those of previous post-September 11 WEF meetings where security has been paramount. Trump's policies, including his intention to exit the 2015 Paris climate accord and his "America First" policy, may not sit well with all of Switzerland, which backs the global climate pact and whose economy relies on global trade. This has prompted some critics to suggest Trump's polarising persona could resurrect the violent anti-WEF protests seen in the early 2000s. An online petition is circulating telling Trump he is not welcome. Although an anti-Trump demonstration is planned for Zurich on Tuesday, Swiss police say poor weather could stop protesters planning a demonstration when Trump arrives on Thursday, January 25. He is scheduled to speak on the last day of the forum on Friday, January 26.

Swiss army, police say Davos ready for Trump

US President Donald Trump has apologised for the first time for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-retweets-anti-muslim-videos-25466" target="_blank">retweeting a British far-right group&#39;s videos apparently showing Islamist violence</a>, in an ITV interview aired in Britain today.

&quot;If you&#39;re telling me they&#39;re horrible racist people, I would certainly apologise if you&#39;d like me to do that,&quot; he told Good Morning Britain&#39;s Piers Morgan during the interview, conducted in Davos yesterday.&nbsp;

'If you're telling me they're horrible racist people, I would certainly apologise if you'd like me to do that,' Trump told Good Morning Britain's Piers Morgan

US President Donald Trump has apologised for the first time for retweeting a British far-right group's videos apparently showing Islamist violence, in an ITV interview aired in Britain today. "If you're telling me they're horrible racist people, I would certainly apologise if you'd like me to do that," he told Good Morning Britain's Piers Morgan during the interview, conducted in Davos yesterday.

Finally, Trump apologises for retweeting far-right British group

US lawmakers raced the clock to avoid a federal government shutdown before a midnight deadline on Friday after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer failed to produce a deal.

Trump invited Schumer to the White House for talks as a stopgap bill to fund the federal government through February 16 appeared headed to defeat in the Senate, where Democratic votes are needed to pass it.

Democrats have demanded that the bill include protections for hundreds of thousands of young illegal immigrants, but Republicans have so far refused.

A procedural vote on the bill was set for 10 pm (0300 GMT), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

Lawmakers huddled in meetings on Friday evening, but it was not clear if either side would blink before midnight.

Trump said his meeting with Schumer was &quot;excellent&quot; and that efforts were continuing. &quot;Making progress - four week extension would be best,&quot; Trump said in a tweet.

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Excellent preliminary meeting in Oval with <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a> - working on solutions for Security and our great Military together with <a href="https://twitter.com/SenateMajLdr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenateMajLdr</a> McConnell and <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerRyan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerRyan</a>. Making progress - four week extension would be best!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/954478044487520257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Shortly after Trump&#39;s tweet, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said he expected an agreement would be reached in the next 24 hours, indicating the government would shut down at midnight but reopen again at some point over the weekend.

Schumer said his meeting with Trump lasted about 90 minutes. &quot;We discussed all of the major outstanding issues. We made some progress, but we still have a good number of disagreements. The discussions will continue,&quot; he told reporters.

The shutdown would begin on the first anniversary of Trump&#39;s inauguration as president. Leaders of both parties tried to blame each other for the impasse.

Past government shutdowns have done little lasting damage to the US economy, but put hundreds of thousands of &quot;non-essential&quot; federal workers on temporary unpaid leave. Shutdowns can also rattle financial markets.

&quot;Essential&quot; employees who deal with public safety and national security would keep working under a shutdown.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved the stopgap spending measure late on Thursday, but it has been sidetracked in the Senate by the dispute over immigration.

The House recessed on Friday for a week-long break, but members were warned they could be called back for votes.

The last significant shutdown was in 2013, when government funding lapsed for 16 full days and about 800,000 federal workers were put on temporary leave.

This week&#39;s showdown follows a months-long struggle in Congress to agree on government funding levels and the immigration issue.

The federal government is operating on a third temporary funding measure since the current fiscal year began in October.

Democrats have demanded the bill include protections from deportation for about 700,000 illegal immigrants who were brought into the United States as children.

Known as &quot;Dreamers&quot; and largely from Mexico and Central America, these immigrants were given temporary legal status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme started by former President Barack Obama.

In September, Trump announced he was ending the programme and giving Congress until March 5 to come up with a legislative replacement.

&quot;Don&#39;t turn your back&quot;

Dick Durbin, the No 2 Democrat in the Senate and who has taken a lead role in the immigration issue, said Republicans needed to sit down and negotiate and called on House Republicans not to leave town until the crisis was averted.

&quot;I would beg them, don&rsquo;t turn your back on your responsibility right here in Washington to work with us, to try to find a way forward,&quot; Durbin said.

Trump said in a morning tweet that Democrats were holding up a resolution over the immigration issue.

&quot;Democrats are needed if it is to pass in the Senate - but they want illegal immigration and weak borders. Shutdown coming?&quot; he said.

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Government Funding Bill past last night in the House of Representatives. Now Democrats are needed if it is to pass in the Senate - but they want illegal immigration and weak borders. Shutdown coming? We need more Republican victories in 2018!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/954323750949982208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Democratic Senator Tim Kaine told reporters that lawmakers were close to a longer-term deal and should not pass another 30-day funding measure. &quot;We can get there, we&rsquo;re close enough we can get there if we just stay on it,&quot; he said. &quot;I think we can get one in the next few days.&quot;

Republican Senator Tom Cotton said he was willing to provide protection to DACA recipients in future negotiations.

&quot;We have another six weeks to solve that problem. It doesn&#39;t really involve government funding,&quot; Cotton told Fox News. &quot;We should take those two issues up in sequence.&quot;

Republicans have a 51-49 majority in the Senate, but with Senator John McCain undergoing cancer treatment at home in Arizona they need at least 10 Democrats to reach the 60 votes required to pass a spending bill. In addition to strong Democratic opposition, at least three Republican senators have said they will not back the resolution in its current form.

Republican Senator Mike Rounds, who earlier said he could not back the bill, on Friday said in a statement that while the measure was &quot;not ideal,&quot; he would support it after being assured that other legislation to adequately fund the U.S. military would be raised soon.

Three Democratic senators who are up for re-election this year in states Trump won in the 2016 presidential election said on Friday they would support the bill. But several other Democrats would still have to jump on board for passage.

Amid the deadlock, more senators were raising the possibility of merely approving enough new federal funds for a few days, as a tactic to put pressure on negotiators to then cut deals on immigration, defence spending and non-defence funding by next week.

But a White House aide said late on Friday that Trump would not support a deal that keeps the government open for just four or five days.

McConnell also shot down the idea. &quot;Let&#39;s fund the government for a full month so we can actually get something done&quot; and negotiate other issues including immigration, he said.

US lawmakers raced the clock to avoid a federal government shutdown before a midnight deadline on Friday after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer failed to produce a deal

US lawmakers raced the clock to avoid a federal government shutdown before a midnight deadline on Friday after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer failed to produce a deal. Trump invited Schumer to the White House for talks as a stopgap bill to fund the federal government through February 16 appeared headed to defeat in the Senate, where Democratic votes are needed to pass it. Democrats have demanded that the bill include protections for hundreds of thousands of young illegal immigrants, but Republicans have so far refused. A procedural vote on the bill was set for 10 pm (0300 GMT), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. Lawmakers huddled in meetings on Friday evening, but it was not clear if either side would blink before midnight. Trump said his meeting with Schumer was "excellent" and that efforts were continuing. "Making progress - four week extension would be best," Trump said in a tweet. Excellent preliminary meeting in Oval with @SenSchumer - working on solutions for Security and our great Military together with @SenateMajLdr McConnell and @SpeakerRyan. Making progress - four week extension would be best! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 × Shortly after Trump's tweet, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said he expected an agreement would be reached in the next 24 hours, indicating the government would shut down at midnight but reopen again at some point over the weekend. Schumer said his meeting with Trump lasted about 90 minutes. "We discussed all of the major outstanding issues. We made some progress, but we still have a good number of disagreements. The discussions will continue," he told reporters. The shutdown would begin on the first anniversary of Trump's inauguration as president. Leaders of both parties tried to blame each other for the impasse. Past government shutdowns have done little lasting damage to the US economy, but put hundreds of thousands of "non-essential" federal workers on temporary unpaid leave. Shutdowns can also rattle financial markets. "Essential" employees who deal with public safety and national security would keep working under a shutdown. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved the stopgap spending measure late on Thursday, but it has been sidetracked in the Senate by the dispute over immigration. The House recessed on Friday for a week-long break, but members were warned they could be called back for votes. The last significant shutdown was in 2013, when government funding lapsed for 16 full days and about 800,000 federal workers were put on temporary leave. This week's showdown follows a months-long struggle in Congress to agree on government funding levels and the immigration issue. The federal government is operating on a third temporary funding measure since the current fiscal year began in October. Democrats have demanded the bill include protections from deportation for about 700,000 illegal immigrants who were brought into the United States as children. Known as "Dreamers" and largely from Mexico and Central America, these immigrants were given temporary legal status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme started by former President Barack Obama. In September, Trump announced he was ending the programme and giving Congress until March 5 to come up with a legislative replacement. "Don't turn your back" Dick Durbin, the No 2 Democrat in the Senate and who has taken a lead role in the immigration issue, said Republicans needed to sit down and negotiate and called on House Republicans not to leave town until the crisis was averted. "I would beg them, don’t turn your back on your responsibility right here in Washington to work with us, to try to find a way forward," Durbin said. Trump said in a morning tweet that Democrats were holding up a resolution over the immigration issue. "Democrats are needed if it is to pass in the Senate - but they want illegal immigration and weak borders. Shutdown coming?" he said. Government Funding Bill past last night in the House of Representatives. Now Democrats are needed if it is to pass in the Senate - but they want illegal immigration and weak borders. Shutdown coming? We need more Republican victories in 2018! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 × Democratic Senator Tim Kaine told reporters that lawmakers were close to a longer-term deal and should not pass another 30-day funding measure. "We can get there, we’re close enough we can get there if we just stay on it," he said. "I think we can get one in the next few days." Republican Senator Tom Cotton said he was willing to provide protection to DACA recipients in future negotiations. "We have another six weeks to solve that problem. It doesn't really involve government funding," Cotton told Fox News. "We should take those two issues up in sequence." Republicans have a 51-49 majority in the Senate, but with Senator John McCain undergoing cancer treatment at home in Arizona they need at least 10 Democrats to reach the 60 votes required to pass a spending bill. In addition to strong Democratic opposition, at least three Republican senators have said they will not back the resolution in its current form. Republican Senator Mike Rounds, who earlier said he could not back the bill, on Friday said in a statement that while the measure was "not ideal," he would support it after being assured that other legislation to adequately fund the U.S. military would be raised soon. Three Democratic senators who are up for re-election this year in states Trump won in the 2016 presidential election said on Friday they would support the bill. But several other Democrats would still have to jump on board for passage. Amid the deadlock, more senators were raising the possibility of merely approving enough new federal funds for a few days, as a tactic to put pressure on negotiators to then cut deals on immigration, defence spending and non-defence funding by next week. But a White House aide said late on Friday that Trump would not support a deal that keeps the government open for just four or five days. McConnell also shot down the idea. "Let's fund the government for a full month so we can actually get something done" and negotiate other issues including immigration, he said.

With no deal in sight, US Congress faces looming government shutdown

The Swiss ski resort town of Davos was hit by heavy snow on Sunday (January 21) two days before the start of an annual forum that will see U.S. President Donald Trump rubbing shoulders with the same &quot;globalists&quot; that he campaigned against in winning the 2016 election.

The January 23-26 forum brings together political leaders -- including Indian&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Britain&#39;s Prime Minister Theresa May -- CEOs and top bankers.

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Davos, a town nestled in the Swiss Alps, covered in a blanket of snow. (WION)
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Trump, who is scheduled to address the forum on the last day on Friday (January 26), is the first sitting US&nbsp;president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000.

His presence in the forum, aides say, is to call attention to growth in the US&nbsp;economy and the soaring stock market.

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Davos is also a popular ski attraction (WION)
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During his 2016 election campaign, Trump blamed globalization for ravaging American manufacturing jobs as companies sought to reduce labour costs by relocating to Mexico and elsewhere.

World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab told Reuters Trump&#39;s presence this year was a &quot;positive surprise&quot; and his voice, along with other world leaders would provide a balanced global outlook for the year.

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Davos is host to the World Economic Forum (WEF), an annual meeting of global political and business elites (WION)
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Workers were out on in force clearing the streets of snow. More snow is forecast until Monday (January 22) but Schwab says he is not worried about the weather affecting or delaying the forum.

The Swiss ski resort town of Davos was hit by heavy snow on Sunday

The Swiss ski resort town of Davos was hit by heavy snow on Sunday (January 21) two days before the start of an annual forum that will see U.S. President Donald Trump rubbing shoulders with the same "globalists" that he campaigned against in winning the 2016 election. The January 23-26 forum brings together political leaders -- including Indian's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May -- CEOs and top bankers. Davos, a town nestled in the Swiss Alps, covered in a blanket of snow. (WION) × Trump, who is scheduled to address the forum on the last day on Friday (January 26), is the first sitting US president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000. His presence in the forum, aides say, is to call attention to growth in the US economy and the soaring stock market. Davos is also a popular ski attraction (WION) × During his 2016 election campaign, Trump blamed globalization for ravaging American manufacturing jobs as companies sought to reduce labour costs by relocating to Mexico and elsewhere. World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab told Reuters Trump's presence this year was a "positive surprise" and his voice, along with other world leaders would provide a balanced global outlook for the year. Davos is host to the World Economic Forum (WEF), an annual meeting of global political and business elites (WION) × Workers were out on in force clearing the streets of snow. More snow is forecast until Monday (January 22) but Schwab says he is not worried about the weather affecting or delaying the forum.

Heavy snow hits Davos as forum prepares to welcome Trump, world leaders

US President Donald Trump on Friday asked the African Union chairman to pass on his &quot;warmest regards&quot; to other regional leaders at a summit this weekend, after sparking outrage with a reported slur against Africans.

The outspoken US leader congratulated Rwandan President Paul Kagame on taking over as chair of the African bloc, which Trump said was a &quot;great honour&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;I know you&#39;re going to your first meeting shortly. Please give my warmest regards,&quot; Trump told Kagame after they held a one-on-one meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The US president ignored questions shouted by journalists about his reported dismissal this month of African nations as &quot;shithole countries&quot;, during a meeting on immigration with congressional leaders.&nbsp;

The reported remark drew outrage around the world and prompted several African governments to demand explanations from their US ambassadors.

The 55-nation African Union chaired by Kagame demanded an apology, although Trump has denied making the remark as relayed by US lawmakers who were present at the meeting.

Trump said he had &quot;tremendous discussions&quot; in Davos with Kagame, who for his part said they had &quot;good discussions&quot; about the economy and trade.

The outspoken US leader congratulated Rwandan President Paul Kagame on taking over as chair of the African bloc, which Trump said was a "great honour".

US President Donald Trump on Friday asked the African Union chairman to pass on his "warmest regards" to other regional leaders at a summit this weekend, after sparking outrage with a reported slur against Africans. The outspoken US leader congratulated Rwandan President Paul Kagame on taking over as chair of the African bloc, which Trump said was a "great honour". "I know you're going to your first meeting shortly. Please give my warmest regards," Trump told Kagame after they held a one-on-one meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The US president ignored questions shouted by journalists about his reported dismissal this month of African nations as "shithole countries", during a meeting on immigration with congressional leaders. The reported remark drew outrage around the world and prompted several African governments to demand explanations from their US ambassadors. The 55-nation African Union chaired by Kagame demanded an apology, although Trump has denied making the remark as relayed by US lawmakers who were present at the meeting. Trump said he had "tremendous discussions" in Davos with Kagame, who for his part said they had "good discussions" about the economy and trade.

Trump sends 'warmest regards' to African leaders after reported slur

The White House insisted Sunday that Donald Trump was &quot;shocked and disturbed&quot; by allegations of domestic abuse that led two staffers to resign, after the president faced flak for saying lives were being ruined by possibly false claims.

Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to Trump, said the president pushed the two staffers out the moment he saw credible evidence against them.

Other top White House aides similarly supported Trump&#39;s handling of the latest controversy to upend his administration.

&quot;I think the president, like the rest of us, were shocked and disturbed by the allegations,&quot; Conway said on ABC&#39;s &quot;This Week.&quot;

Trump is said to be annoyed by the focus on the latest White House turmoil, especially as it comes on the eve of his release of a major infrastructure spending initiative.

&quot;So many positive things going on for the U.S.A. and the Fake News Media just doesn&#39;t want to go there,&quot; he tweeted Sunday. &quot;Same negative stories over and over again.&quot;&nbsp;

Conway said the job of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly was not in jeopardy over his handling of the matter. Critics say he badly mishandled the situation, possibly even exposing one of the ousted aides to the risk of blackmail.

Asked about Trump&#39;s tweet on Saturday that lives were being &quot;shattered and destroyed&quot; by allegations that are sometimes false, Conway told CNN&#39;s &quot;State of the Union&quot; that there was &quot;no reason not to believe the women.&quot;&nbsp;

Yet Trump made no mention of the ex-wives of the two former staffers, or of the alleged abuse, and his response has drawn widespread criticism from his opponents.

Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said the president had again shown a total lack of empathy for victims of abuse.

&quot;The lives of survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse are being shattered every day,&quot; she wrote on Twitter.

&quot;The President has shown through words and actions that he doesn&#39;t value women. It&#39;s not surprising that he doesn&#39;t believe survivors or understand the national conversation that is happening.&quot;

But Conway insisted the president is &quot;a man who shows great compassion and understanding for women.&quot;

Other top White House aides similarly supported Trump's handling of the latest controversy to upend his administration

The White House insisted Sunday that Donald Trump was "shocked and disturbed" by allegations of domestic abuse that led two staffers to resign, after the president faced flak for saying lives were being ruined by possibly false claims. Kellyanne Conway, a senior adviser to Trump, said the president pushed the two staffers out the moment he saw credible evidence against them. Other top White House aides similarly supported Trump's handling of the latest controversy to upend his administration. "I think the president, like the rest of us, were shocked and disturbed by the allegations," Conway said on ABC's "This Week." Trump is said to be annoyed by the focus on the latest White House turmoil, especially as it comes on the eve of his release of a major infrastructure spending initiative. "So many positive things going on for the U.S.A. and the Fake News Media just doesn't want to go there," he tweeted Sunday. "Same negative stories over and over again." Conway said the job of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly was not in jeopardy over his handling of the matter. Critics say he badly mishandled the situation, possibly even exposing one of the ousted aides to the risk of blackmail. Asked about Trump's tweet on Saturday that lives were being "shattered and destroyed" by allegations that are sometimes false, Conway told CNN's "State of the Union" that there was "no reason not to believe the women." Yet Trump made no mention of the ex-wives of the two former staffers, or of the alleged abuse, and his response has drawn widespread criticism from his opponents. Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said the president had again shown a total lack of empathy for victims of abuse. "The lives of survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse are being shattered every day," she wrote on Twitter. "The President has shown through words and actions that he doesn't value women. It's not surprising that he doesn't believe survivors or understand the national conversation that is happening." But Conway insisted the president is "a man who shows great compassion and understanding for women."

Trump 'shocked' by allegations against aides: White House

The Winter Olympics has started, fans are encouraging their country and favourite athletes.

The theme of this years Olympics is unity and peace and even the opening ceremony was marked by a show of unity between North and South Korea.

But unfortunately, people dressed up as U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on Friday were swiftly being shown out by security staff.

The &#39;fakes&#39;&nbsp;caused a commotion when they appeared in the stands during the Opening Ceremony.

&quot;We&#39;re getting along great,&quot; said the Kim lookalike, who declined to give his name.

&quot;We wanted to surprise everyone and bring world peace and then we&#39;re being escorted out by security guards, which I think is really unfair,&quot; he added. &quot;Doesn&#39;t everyone want peace?&quot;

Athletes from both countries entered the arena under a flag depicting a unified Korea as American Vice President Mike Pence and Kim&#39;s sister, Kim Yo Jong, watched on from a VIP box.

&quot;Is my sister getting the same treatment? &quot; the Kim lookalike said as he was escorted out of the stadium.

&nbsp;

Two people dressed up as U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on Friday were swiftly being shown out by security staff

The Winter Olympics has started, fans are encouraging their country and favourite athletes. The theme of this years Olympics is unity and peace and even the opening ceremony was marked by a show of unity between North and South Korea. But unfortunately, people dressed up as U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on Friday were swiftly being shown out by security staff. The 'fakes' caused a commotion when they appeared in the stands during the Opening Ceremony. "We're getting along great," said the Kim lookalike, who declined to give his name. "We wanted to surprise everyone and bring world peace and then we're being escorted out by security guards, which I think is really unfair," he added. "Doesn't everyone want peace?" Athletes from both countries entered the arena under a flag depicting a unified Korea as American Vice President Mike Pence and Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, watched on from a VIP box. "Is my sister getting the same treatment? " the Kim lookalike said as he was escorted out of the stadium.

'Trump' and 'Kim' appeared at opening ceremony of Winter Olympics

After hours of delay, the US Congress finally passed the much-awaited federal spending today.

The measure has been sent to President Donald Trump seeking him to end the country&#39;s second government shutdown in three weeks.

The House voted in support of the bill in 240 to 186. The bipartisan package will extend government funding until March 23 lifting the federal spending limits by nearly $300 billion for the next couple of years.

Congress had previously missed a midnight deadline after a conservative senator refused to allow an early vote on the bill.

With Trump signing the bill, government offices will reopen.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

Congress had previously missed a midnight deadline after a conservative senator refused to allow an early vote on the bill.

After hours of delay, the US Congress finally passed the much-awaited federal spending today. The measure has been sent to President Donald Trump seeking him to end the country's second government shutdown in three weeks. The House voted in support of the bill in 240 to 186. The bipartisan package will extend government funding until March 23 lifting the federal spending limits by nearly $300 billion for the next couple of years. Congress had previously missed a midnight deadline after a conservative senator refused to allow an early vote on the bill. With Trump signing the bill, government offices will reopen. (With inputs from AFP)

US: Congress passes spending bill, sends to Trump to end shutdown

US Senate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-votes-to-end-us-shutdown-trump-claims-victory-30415">failed to break the deadlock on Thursday</a> as the Trump government shutdown with no funding vote&nbsp;beyond the 12:00 am deadline.

The senators were unable to pass a stopgap spending bill before midnight.

The house&nbsp;opted to close and then reopen at 12:01 am.

This is the US government&#39;s second shutdown in three weeks after a senator in President Trump&#39;s own Republican Party blocked a vote on a bipartisan budget deal before a midnight deadline.

The closure could be shortlived&nbsp;as the Senate is&nbsp;expected to schedule a vote on the measure at 1:00 am and, if it passes, send it to the House of Representatives and then to President Trump&nbsp;for his signature as early as Friday.

Earlier, White House&#39;s Office of Management and Budget(OMB) told Reuters that the Budget &quot;is currently preparing for a lapse in appropriations&quot;.

The bill, which extends government funding for six weeks, raises the federal debt ceiling and increases federal spending limits for the next two years, would break the cycle of government funding crises in time for what is set to be a bruising campaign for November&#39;s mid-term elections.

The closure could be shortlived as the Senate is expected to schedule a vote on the measure at 1:00 am

US Senate failed to break the deadlock on Thursday as the Trump government shutdown with no funding vote beyond the 12:00 am deadline. The senators were unable to pass a stopgap spending bill before midnight. The house opted to close and then reopen at 12:01 am. This is the US government's second shutdown in three weeks after a senator in President Trump's own Republican Party blocked a vote on a bipartisan budget deal before a midnight deadline. The closure could be shortlived as the Senate is expected to schedule a vote on the measure at 1:00 am and, if it passes, send it to the House of Representatives and then to President Trump for his signature as early as Friday. Earlier, White House's Office of Management and Budget(OMB) told Reuters that the Budget "is currently preparing for a lapse in appropriations". The bill, which extends government funding for six weeks, raises the federal debt ceiling and increases federal spending limits for the next two years, would break the cycle of government funding crises in time for what is set to be a bruising campaign for November's mid-term elections.

US government slides into second shutdown in three weeks

US President Donald Trump signed a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-passes-spending-bill-sends-to-trump-to-end-shutdown-32327"> crucial spending bill </a>Friday, reopening the US government after a brief shutdown, the second in three weeks, and a night of high drama in Congress.

Trump announced the signing on his Twitter account, hailing the bill&#39;s passage in the early hours of Friday as a boost for the US military and &quot;JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!&quot;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Just signed Bill. Our Military will now be stronger than ever before. We love and need our Military and gave them everything &mdash; and more. First time this has happened in a long time. Also means JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/961957671246159875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The House voted 240 to 186 in support of a bipartisan package that extends funding until March 23, hours after a conservative senator forced Congress to miss a midnight deadline, sparking the shutdown.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky had blocked a vote in the upper house, briefly bringing the government to a halt to protest big increases in spending on the military and domestic programs.

The compromise approved overnight also leaves many Democrats frustrated by failing to address the fate of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants threatened with deportation.&nbsp;

Trump defended the deal, but said it contained &quot;much waste in order to get Dem votes.&quot;

&quot;Our Military will now be stronger than ever before. We love and need our Military and gave them everything -- and more,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;Without more Republicans in Congress, we were forced to increase spending on things we do not like or want in order to finally, after many years of depletion, take care of our Military. Sadly, we needed some Dem votes for passage.&quot;

Trump was referring to a provision in the bill that increases spending limits for the next two years and raises the federal debt ceiling until March 2019.

That is set to break the cycle of government funding crises in time for what will likely be a bruising campaign for November&#39;s mid-term elections.

But the dramatics in Congress spoke volumes about the political gridlock that defines Washington.

The rebellion that simmered among Republicans and Democrats over the budget agreement boiled over when a determined Paul brought the Senate&#39;s work to a halt.

&#39;Definition of hypocrisy&#39; 
 
The Kentucky Republican took the floor to blast the increase in federal spending limits, and in particular the fiscal irresponsibility of his own party.

&quot;If you&#39;re against president (Barack) Obama&#39;s deficits, but you&#39;re for the Republican deficits, isn&#39;t that the very definition of hypocrisy?&quot; he boomed, adding that he wants his fellow lawmakers &quot;to feel uncomfortable&quot; over the impasse.

Moving legislation swiftly through the upper chamber of Congress requires consent by all 100 members, but Paul objected.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer warned the delay put lawmakers &quot;in risky territory,&quot; and several fellow Republicans confronted Paul in the chamber about his strategy -- but he refused to yield to allow an early vote.

&nbsp;$300 billion more&nbsp; 
 
Ultimately, enough members from both parties joined forces to get the temporary spending bill across the finish line, but the bill&#39;s fate in the House had been far from certain.&nbsp;

It incorporates a major budget deal reached last week between Senate leaders on both sides of the political aisle.

That agreement includes a $300 billion increase to both military and non-military spending limits for this year and 2019, and raises the debt until March 1 next year.

It also provides a massive $90 billion disaster relief package and funding to address the nationwide opioid abuse crisis.

Several fiscal conservatives in the lower chamber joined Paul in balking at adding billions of dollars to the national debt two months after passing a $1.5 trillion tax cut package.

And liberal stalwarts including top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi were also in revolt because the deal does nothing to protect immigrants known as &quot;Dreamers,&quot; who were brought to the US illegally as children, from deportation.

&quot;Nobody wants a shutdown,&quot; Pelosi told the House moments before the vote.

She said she wanted an assurance from Ryan that he would take up the issue of immigration in the coming weeks.

&quot;Give us a chance to allay the fear that is in the hearts of these Dreamers and their families, and remove the tears from the Statue of Liberty observing what is happening here,&quot; she said.

Democrats have sought to link the funding debate to a permanent solution for the &quot;Dreamers,&quot; who were shielded from deportation under an Obama-era program which ended last September by Trump, who set a March 5 deadline for resolving the issue.

The White House&#39;s current proposal -- one that would put 1.8 million immigrants on a path to citizenship, but also boost border security, and dramatically curtail legal immigration -- has been panned by Democrats, and several other bipartisan efforts have stalled. 
&nbsp;

Trump announced the signing on his Twitter account, hailing the bill's passage in the early hours of Friday as a boost for the US military and jobs

US President Donald Trump signed a crucial spending bill Friday, reopening the US government after a brief shutdown, the second in three weeks, and a night of high drama in Congress. Trump announced the signing on his Twitter account, hailing the bill's passage in the early hours of Friday as a boost for the US military and "JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!" Just signed Bill. Our Military will now be stronger than ever before. We love and need our Military and gave them everything — and more. First time this has happened in a long time. Also means JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2018 × The House voted 240 to 186 in support of a bipartisan package that extends funding until March 23, hours after a conservative senator forced Congress to miss a midnight deadline, sparking the shutdown. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky had blocked a vote in the upper house, briefly bringing the government to a halt to protest big increases in spending on the military and domestic programs. The compromise approved overnight also leaves many Democrats frustrated by failing to address the fate of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants threatened with deportation. Trump defended the deal, but said it contained "much waste in order to get Dem votes." "Our Military will now be stronger than ever before. We love and need our Military and gave them everything -- and more," he said. "Without more Republicans in Congress, we were forced to increase spending on things we do not like or want in order to finally, after many years of depletion, take care of our Military. Sadly, we needed some Dem votes for passage." Trump was referring to a provision in the bill that increases spending limits for the next two years and raises the federal debt ceiling until March 2019. That is set to break the cycle of government funding crises in time for what will likely be a bruising campaign for November's mid-term elections. But the dramatics in Congress spoke volumes about the political gridlock that defines Washington. The rebellion that simmered among Republicans and Democrats over the budget agreement boiled over when a determined Paul brought the Senate's work to a halt. 'Definition of hypocrisy' The Kentucky Republican took the floor to blast the increase in federal spending limits, and in particular the fiscal irresponsibility of his own party. "If you're against president (Barack) Obama's deficits, but you're for the Republican deficits, isn't that the very definition of hypocrisy?" he boomed, adding that he wants his fellow lawmakers "to feel uncomfortable" over the impasse. Moving legislation swiftly through the upper chamber of Congress requires consent by all 100 members, but Paul objected. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer warned the delay put lawmakers "in risky territory," and several fellow Republicans confronted Paul in the chamber about his strategy -- but he refused to yield to allow an early vote. $300 billion more Ultimately, enough members from both parties joined forces to get the temporary spending bill across the finish line, but the bill's fate in the House had been far from certain. It incorporates a major budget deal reached last week between Senate leaders on both sides of the political aisle. That agreement includes a $300 billion increase to both military and non-military spending limits for this year and 2019, and raises the debt until March 1 next year. It also provides a massive $90 billion disaster relief package and funding to address the nationwide opioid abuse crisis. Several fiscal conservatives in the lower chamber joined Paul in balking at adding billions of dollars to the national debt two months after passing a $1.5 trillion tax cut package. And liberal stalwarts including top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi were also in revolt because the deal does nothing to protect immigrants known as "Dreamers," who were brought to the US illegally as children, from deportation. "Nobody wants a shutdown," Pelosi told the House moments before the vote. She said she wanted an assurance from Ryan that he would take up the issue of immigration in the coming weeks. "Give us a chance to allay the fear that is in the hearts of these Dreamers and their families, and remove the tears from the Statue of Liberty observing what is happening here," she said. Democrats have sought to link the funding debate to a permanent solution for the "Dreamers," who were shielded from deportation under an Obama-era program which ended last September by Trump, who set a March 5 deadline for resolving the issue. The White House's current proposal -- one that would put 1.8 million immigrants on a path to citizenship, but also boost border security, and dramatically curtail legal immigration -- has been panned by Democrats, and several other bipartisan efforts have stalled.

Trump signs bill ending government shutdown

US&nbsp;President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-meets-donald-trump-in-manila-6664">Donald Trump today spoke&nbsp;on the phone</a> with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the two leaders discussed the war in Afghanistan including the political crisis in the Maldives.&nbsp;

&quot;Both leaders expressed concern about the political crisis in Maldives and the importance of respect for democratic institutions and rule of law,&quot; the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders also took note of the plight of Rohingya refugees in Myanmar.

&quot;Affirming President Trump&#39;s South Asia strategy, they reiterated their commitment to supporting Afghanistan&#39;s security and stability,&quot; the White House added.&nbsp;

Modi and Trump spoke about the situation in North Korea.

According to the White House, during the call, Trump and Modi discussed further steps to ensure &quot;denuclearisation of North Korea&quot;.

&quot;Finally, the leaders agreed to strengthen security and economic cooperation as they look forward to the &#39;2+2&#39; ministerial dialogue between their defence and diplomatic officials in April,&quot; the White House said.

The &#39;2+2 dialogue&#39; was announced after the White House meeting between Modi and Trump in June 2017.&nbsp;

The dialogue process involves talks between India&#39;s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister&nbsp;Sitharaman along with US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and defense secretary Jim Mattis.

Modi and Trump also about the situation in North Korea.

US President Donald Trump today spoke on the phone with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the two leaders discussed the war in Afghanistan including the political crisis in the Maldives. "Both leaders expressed concern about the political crisis in Maldives and the importance of respect for democratic institutions and rule of law," the White House said in a statement. The two leaders also took note of the plight of Rohingya refugees in Myanmar. "Affirming President Trump's South Asia strategy, they reiterated their commitment to supporting Afghanistan's security and stability," the White House added. Modi and Trump spoke about the situation in North Korea. According to the White House, during the call, Trump and Modi discussed further steps to ensure "denuclearisation of North Korea". "Finally, the leaders agreed to strengthen security and economic cooperation as they look forward to the '2+2' ministerial dialogue between their defence and diplomatic officials in April," the White House said. The '2+2 dialogue' was announced after the White House meeting between Modi and Trump in June 2017. The dialogue process involves talks between India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Sitharaman along with US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and defense secretary Jim Mattis.

Modi, Trump discuss situation in Afghanistan, Maldives over phone call

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-moves-bill-to-end-non-defence-aid-to-pakistan-32055">US House of Representatives moves bill to end &#39;non-defence aid&#39; to Pakistan</a>

The bill seeks to divert the money for infrastructure projects in the United States.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-over-200-injured-in-64-magnitude-taiwan-earthquake-32045">2 killed, over 200 injured in 6.4-magnitude Taiwan earthquake</a>

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien in Taiwan late on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey&nbsp;said. 
&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-biggest-rocket-spacexs-falcon-heavy-soars-toward-mars-after-perfect-launch-32050">SpaceX sends a sports car into space with world&#39;s most powerful rocket</a>

The world&#39;s most powerful rocket, SpaceX&#39;s Falcon Heavy, roared into space through clear blue skies in its debut test flight on Tuesday.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-pentagon-to-plan-a-military-parade-32046">Trump tells Pentagon to plan military parade</a>

US President Donald Trump has asked for a military parade to showcase American muscle and underscore his role as commander-in-chief.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-prepping-for-no-more-tours-2-in-spring-ozzy-osbourne-says-im-not-retiring-32052">Prepping for &#39;No More Tours 2&#39; in spring, Ozzy Osbourne says &#39;I&#39;m not retiring</a>

Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne will kickstart last tour of his life this spring but will continue performing gigs around the world, he confirmed.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien in Taiwan late on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said.

US House of Representatives moves bill to end 'non-defence aid' to Pakistan The bill seeks to divert the money for infrastructure projects in the United States. 2 killed, over 200 injured in 6.4-magnitude Taiwan earthquake A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien in Taiwan late on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. SpaceX sends a sports car into space with world's most powerful rocket The world's most powerful rocket, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, roared into space through clear blue skies in its debut test flight on Tuesday. Trump tells Pentagon to plan military parade US President Donald Trump has asked for a military parade to showcase American muscle and underscore his role as commander-in-chief. Prepping for 'No More Tours 2' in spring, Ozzy Osbourne says 'I'm not retiring Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne will kickstart last tour of his life this spring but will continue performing gigs around the world, he confirmed.

WION Morning News brief, February 7, 2018

US President Donald Trump has asked for a military parade to showcase American muscle and underscore his role as commander-in-chief, the White House said on Wednesday.

Trump, who has toyed with the idea of a parade in Washington since before being sworn in, has made the request to officers, who are looking for a date.

&quot;President Trump is incredibly supportive of America&#39;s great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe. He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation,&quot; said press secretary Sarah Sanders.

The Washington Post first reported Trump told top Pentagon brass last month he wants a military parade.

&quot;The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France,&quot; the military official said, according to the Post.

&quot;This is being worked at the highest levels of the military,&quot; the official added.

After the Post published its story, the White House issued a statement that said Trump &quot;has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation.&quot;

A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the parade planning was in the &quot;brainstorming&quot; stage and nothing had been decided, the Post reported.

President Trump requests that military begins preparations for a military parade in the nation's capital

US President Donald Trump has asked for a military parade to showcase American muscle and underscore his role as commander-in-chief, the White House said on Wednesday. Trump, who has toyed with the idea of a parade in Washington since before being sworn in, has made the request to officers, who are looking for a date. "President Trump is incredibly supportive of America's great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe. He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation," said press secretary Sarah Sanders. The Washington Post first reported Trump told top Pentagon brass last month he wants a military parade. "The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France," the military official said, according to the Post. "This is being worked at the highest levels of the military," the official added. After the Post published its story, the White House issued a statement that said Trump "has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation." A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the parade planning was in the "brainstorming" stage and nothing had been decided, the Post reported.

Donald Trump tells Pentagon to plan a military parade

Britain reacted angrily on Monday to a tweet from US President Donald Trump attacking its public healthcare system in the latest spat to strain US-UK ties, casting further doubt on his possible visit to London.

&quot;The Democrats are pushing for Universal HealthCare while thousands of people are marching in the UK because their U system is going broke and not working,&quot; Trump wrote in an early morning tweet.

&quot;Dems want to greatly raise taxes for really bad and non-personal medical care. No thanks!&quot;

The tweet came after thousands of people marched through central London on Saturday in support of the state-funded National Health Service (NHS), which is straining under the weight of winter demand.

One possible explanation for Trump&#39;s criticism was an appearance by Brexit champion Nigel Farage, a personal friend of the president, on Fox News earlier Monday where he talked about the NHS.

British Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt issued a sharp rebuke, tweeting: &quot;I may disagree with claims made on that march but not ONE of them wants to live in a system where 28m people have no cover.

&quot;NHS may have challenges but I&#39;m proud to be from the country that invented universal coverage -- where all get care no matter the size of their bank balance,&quot; he wrote.

NHS staffing levels have been in crisis for months, an issue made worse by a winter flu outbreak.

Despite its current woes, the NHS, which was created after World War II, is a revered institution and Trump&#39;s comments prompted widespread resentment.

&quot;Wrong. People were marching because we love our NHS and hate what the Tories are doing to it,&quot; tweeted Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, in a reference to the ruling conservatives.&nbsp;

&quot;Healthcare is a human right,&quot; he added.

&nbsp;&#39;Divisive, incorrect rhetoric&#39;&nbsp;

The People&#39;s Assembly, an anti-austerity campaign group that organised the demonstration, also wrote an open letter to Trump defending the NHS.

&quot;It has been a shining example to the world of what can be achieved when we put the needs of the collective good over the interests of a few wealthy individuals,&quot; the letter read.

&quot;Unfortunately our current government have been persuaded to increasingly adopt policies which represent those of your government,&quot; it said.

&quot;We don&#39;t agree with your divisive and incorrect rhetoric. No thanks,&quot; the letter said.

Trump&#39;s own attempts to reverse his predecessor&#39;s healthcare reform -- known as Obamacare -- twice ended in failure, before his party succeeded in eliminating a key element, the so-called &quot;individual mandate&quot; as part of tax reform.

The measure required individuals to buy health insurance as a way to lower costs by ensuring that healthy people were part of insurance pools.

The &quot;special relationship&quot; between Britain and the United States has shown some signs of strain since Trump came to office a year ago.

Prime Minister Theresa May was the first foreign leader to visit Trump following his inauguration in January last year, when she invited him to make a state visit to Britain, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

The trip has been delayed, however, and Trump recently pulled out of a plan to open the new US embassy in London, a move British officials blamed on threats of mass protests.

Trump has also angered the British with previous controversial tweets, including retweeting an extremist group&#39;s anti-Muslim propaganda and sparring with London mayor Sadiq Khan following a terror attack.

'The Democrats are pushing for Universal HealthCare while thousands of people are marching in the UK because their U system is going broke and not working,' Trump wrote in an early morning tweet

Britain reacted angrily on Monday to a tweet from US President Donald Trump attacking its public healthcare system in the latest spat to strain US-UK ties, casting further doubt on his possible visit to London. "The Democrats are pushing for Universal HealthCare while thousands of people are marching in the UK because their U system is going broke and not working," Trump wrote in an early morning tweet. "Dems want to greatly raise taxes for really bad and non-personal medical care. No thanks!" The tweet came after thousands of people marched through central London on Saturday in support of the state-funded National Health Service (NHS), which is straining under the weight of winter demand. One possible explanation for Trump's criticism was an appearance by Brexit champion Nigel Farage, a personal friend of the president, on Fox News earlier Monday where he talked about the NHS. British Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt issued a sharp rebuke, tweeting: "I may disagree with claims made on that march but not ONE of them wants to live in a system where 28m people have no cover. "NHS may have challenges but I'm proud to be from the country that invented universal coverage -- where all get care no matter the size of their bank balance," he wrote. NHS staffing levels have been in crisis for months, an issue made worse by a winter flu outbreak. Despite its current woes, the NHS, which was created after World War II, is a revered institution and Trump's comments prompted widespread resentment. "Wrong. People were marching because we love our NHS and hate what the Tories are doing to it," tweeted Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, in a reference to the ruling conservatives. "Healthcare is a human right," he added. 'Divisive, incorrect rhetoric' The People's Assembly, an anti-austerity campaign group that organised the demonstration, also wrote an open letter to Trump defending the NHS. "It has been a shining example to the world of what can be achieved when we put the needs of the collective good over the interests of a few wealthy individuals," the letter read. "Unfortunately our current government have been persuaded to increasingly adopt policies which represent those of your government," it said. "We don't agree with your divisive and incorrect rhetoric. No thanks," the letter said. Trump's own attempts to reverse his predecessor's healthcare reform -- known as Obamacare -- twice ended in failure, before his party succeeded in eliminating a key element, the so-called "individual mandate" as part of tax reform. The measure required individuals to buy health insurance as a way to lower costs by ensuring that healthy people were part of insurance pools. The "special relationship" between Britain and the United States has shown some signs of strain since Trump came to office a year ago. Prime Minister Theresa May was the first foreign leader to visit Trump following his inauguration in January last year, when she invited him to make a state visit to Britain, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. The trip has been delayed, however, and Trump recently pulled out of a plan to open the new US embassy in London, a move British officials blamed on threats of mass protests. Trump has also angered the British with previous controversial tweets, including retweeting an extremist group's anti-Muslim propaganda and sparring with London mayor Sadiq Khan following a terror attack.

Britain hits back at Trump over attack on healthcare system

Bitterly divided<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-votes-to-end-us-shutdown-trump-claims-victory-30415"> US lawmakers return this week </a>to face a shrinking window for reaching deals on immigration, federal spending and the debt, as Republican infighting swirls and President Donald Trump complains he is getting zero cooperation from Democrats.

 
Trump vowed during his State of the Union address last week to &quot;extend an open hand&quot; to both parties in pursuing an immigration deal that shields 1.8 million undocumented migrants from deportation.

 
But his proposal has been savaged by opposition Democrats, and Trump&#39;s &quot;open hand&quot; soon wagged an accusatory finger.

 
&quot;They Resist, Blame, Complain and Obstruct - and do nothing&quot; to break the immigration stalemate, Trump tweeted a few days after his January 30 speech.

 
Congress has also been haggling over spending caps for domestic programs and the military as they seek to finalize a budget for the remainder of 2018.

 
But Republican leaders have acknowledged they will not meet a Thursday deadline for a spending bill, and will have to pass yet another stopgap measure this week -- with help from Democrats -- to avoid a government shutdown.

 
House Speaker Paul Ryan said that while both sides were &quot;making progress&quot; on a budget agreement, a temporary spending bill was necessary to keep the lights on in Washington.

 
&quot;We&#39;re still negotiating the contents and the duration of that,&quot; he said.

 
Lawmakers are smarting from an embarrassing three-day shutdown last month, when Democrats refused to back a spending measure that did not break the immigration impasse.

 
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said this time he did not expect another threat of a government shutdown, which Trump critics blamed on Republicans but McConnell pinned on Democrats.

 
&quot;There&#39;s no education in the second kick of a mule,&quot; the Kentucky lawmaker said.

Trump vowed during his State of the Union address last week to "extend an open hand" to both parties

Bitterly divided US lawmakers return this week to face a shrinking window for reaching deals on immigration, federal spending and the debt, as Republican infighting swirls and President Donald Trump complains he is getting zero cooperation from Democrats. Trump vowed during his State of the Union address last week to "extend an open hand" to both parties in pursuing an immigration deal that shields 1.8 million undocumented migrants from deportation. But his proposal has been savaged by opposition Democrats, and Trump's "open hand" soon wagged an accusatory finger. "They Resist, Blame, Complain and Obstruct - and do nothing" to break the immigration stalemate, Trump tweeted a few days after his January 30 speech. Congress has also been haggling over spending caps for domestic programs and the military as they seek to finalize a budget for the remainder of 2018. But Republican leaders have acknowledged they will not meet a Thursday deadline for a spending bill, and will have to pass yet another stopgap measure this week -- with help from Democrats -- to avoid a government shutdown. House Speaker Paul Ryan said that while both sides were "making progress" on a budget agreement, a temporary spending bill was necessary to keep the lights on in Washington. "We're still negotiating the contents and the duration of that," he said. Lawmakers are smarting from an embarrassing three-day shutdown last month, when Democrats refused to back a spending measure that did not break the immigration impasse. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said this time he did not expect another threat of a government shutdown, which Trump critics blamed on Republicans but McConnell pinned on Democrats. "There's no education in the second kick of a mule," the Kentucky lawmaker said.

US Congress seeks deals on budget, immigration as shutdown looms

Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump&#39;s plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa.

Flying to the US capital from as far as California, Texas and Chicago and driving several hundred miles from places like Florida, New York and Massachusetts, these highly skilled Indians, living in the US for the past several years and in many cases for more than a decade, urged Trump to end the per country limit on legal permanent residency so as to eliminate the massive Green Card backlog of highly skilled Indians.

&quot;We are looking strictly for a merit-based immigration. That will bring prosperity and fast economic growth of the US,&quot; Krishna Bansal, national policy and political director of Republican Hindu Coalition, told the rally of highly skilled

Indians, who want to make the US now their permanent home.

&quot;We are with President Trump for taking initiative towards a merit-based immigration system,&quot; Bansal said, adding that his group is working with the White House and lawmakers towards a comprehensive immigration bill that should include all these things.

Giving green cards to thousands of highly skilled professionals from India would help them realise their full potential and boost country?s growth and prosperity, he said.

The participants, many of them software engineers, at the rally yesterday had banner and posters with slogans like &#39;Cut Green Card backlog&#39;, &#39;strictly merit-based point system&#39;, &#39;end country limit&#39;, &#39;we need to support legal dreamers&#39;, and &#39;We support Trump.&#39;

This was one of the rare pro-Trump immigration rallies at the White House.

President Trump last week used his first State of the Union address to push for the merit-based immigration system that admits skilled people, a proposal that could benefit technology professionals from countries like India. 
&quot;It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country,&quot; Trump had said.

Akshita Ramesh, 13, a student of Ronald Regan Middle School in Virginia, said that green card backlogs have been taunting most high skilled immigrants who have come to this country for a better life.

&quot;The wait expectancy for a green card for a high skilled immigrant from India tends to be somewhat from 12 Years to 70+ Years, when most of the world can get their Green Card in less than 2 years,&quot; she said.

Thanjavur-born, Akshita was one and half year old when she moved to the US along with her father Ramesh Ranathan, who is in the IT profession and had a H-1B visa.

Describing herself as legal H-4 dreamer, Akshita said the current green card waiting period for Indians means that her parents are unlikely to get legal permanent residency for next few decades.

&quot;I have always known I was born in India, and that I was on H4 Visa with my dad having an approved petition to apply for Green Card, but I didn?t know about everything to the full extent. I didn?t know that being on a H4 could mean that it will be much harder for colleges to accept me, no matter how good my grades are,&quot; she said.

&quot;I didn&#39;t know that having a H4 until 21 would mean possibly getting pretty much &#39;kicked out&#39; of the US, the only home I?ve ever known, the land that I felt all the happiness of achievement, and the burning anger of disappointment,&quot; Akshita said in a passionate plea.

&quot;And all of this just because I was born in a different country that I barely even lived in? ?Don?t you think that?s unfair?&quot; she said, adding that she feels that her dreams would be shattered.

&quot;It sounds scary when I think the day I would turn 21, I would be made to feel a bit like an outcast, or a misfit in the country that I grew up in, how would you feel if you were the only one kid in an area who will be stamped as an alien, a foreigner when you turn 21, even though you?ve lived in the country your whole life?&quot; she asked.

&quot;I urge all lawmakers and the President to hear me and support us in every way you can to solve the backlogs ASAP, and guarantee that this problem is solved once and for all, and no single ambitious kid and parent will have to go through the same scenario as me,&quot; Akshita said.

According to Republican Hindu Coalition, there are nearly 200,000 children of legal immigrants-in-line from India, who have never broken the law, but who simply age out at 21 and have to go back, because their parents have a 60 year wait to get their green card after it is approved.

&quot;US Economy if it was to grow four per cent per year will need another 400,000 high-skilled workers added to the work force each year. Immigration reform needs to address this issue as well. The Hindu and Indian community has some anxiety related to Immigration issues,&quot; said Anil Sharma a member of the organizing team.

Souptik Mukherjee, another member, said that for the high skilled professional with advanced degrees the green card wait seems to be endless. &quot;Any initiative to move towards a merit- based immigration system is highly laudable.&quot;&nbsp;

Rally participants had banner and posters with slogans like 'Cut Green Card backlog', 'strictly merit-based point system', 'end country limit', 'we need to support legal dreamers', and 'We support Trump'

Several hundred highly-skilled Indian workers, in long agonising green card wait, from across the US along with their children and spouses held a rally in front of the White House here in support of President Donald Trump's plan for a merit-based immigration system that among other things ends chain migration and diversity lottery visa. Flying to the US capital from as far as California, Texas and Chicago and driving several hundred miles from places like Florida, New York and Massachusetts, these highly skilled Indians, living in the US for the past several years and in many cases for more than a decade, urged Trump to end the per country limit on legal permanent residency so as to eliminate the massive Green Card backlog of highly skilled Indians. "We are looking strictly for a merit-based immigration. That will bring prosperity and fast economic growth of the US," Krishna Bansal, national policy and political director of Republican Hindu Coalition, told the rally of highly skilled Indians, who want to make the US now their permanent home. "We are with President Trump for taking initiative towards a merit-based immigration system," Bansal said, adding that his group is working with the White House and lawmakers towards a comprehensive immigration bill that should include all these things. Giving green cards to thousands of highly skilled professionals from India would help them realise their full potential and boost country?s growth and prosperity, he said. The participants, many of them software engineers, at the rally yesterday had banner and posters with slogans like 'Cut Green Card backlog', 'strictly merit-based point system', 'end country limit', 'we need to support legal dreamers', and 'We support Trump.' This was one of the rare pro-Trump immigration rallies at the White House. President Trump last week used his first State of the Union address to push for the merit-based immigration system that admits skilled people, a proposal that could benefit technology professionals from countries like India. "It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system -- one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country," Trump had said. Akshita Ramesh, 13, a student of Ronald Regan Middle School in Virginia, said that green card backlogs have been taunting most high skilled immigrants who have come to this country for a better life. "The wait expectancy for a green card for a high skilled immigrant from India tends to be somewhat from 12 Years to 70+ Years, when most of the world can get their Green Card in less than 2 years," she said. Thanjavur-born, Akshita was one and half year old when she moved to the US along with her father Ramesh Ranathan, who is in the IT profession and had a H-1B visa. Describing herself as legal H-4 dreamer, Akshita said the current green card waiting period for Indians means that her parents are unlikely to get legal permanent residency for next few decades. "I have always known I was born in India, and that I was on H4 Visa with my dad having an approved petition to apply for Green Card, but I didn?t know about everything to the full extent. I didn?t know that being on a H4 could mean that it will be much harder for colleges to accept me, no matter how good my grades are," she said. "I didn't know that having a H4 until 21 would mean possibly getting pretty much 'kicked out' of the US, the only home I?ve ever known, the land that I felt all the happiness of achievement, and the burning anger of disappointment," Akshita said in a passionate plea. "And all of this just because I was born in a different country that I barely even lived in? ?Don?t you think that?s unfair?" she said, adding that she feels that her dreams would be shattered. "It sounds scary when I think the day I would turn 21, I would be made to feel a bit like an outcast, or a misfit in the country that I grew up in, how would you feel if you were the only one kid in an area who will be stamped as an alien, a foreigner when you turn 21, even though you?ve lived in the country your whole life?" she asked. "I urge all lawmakers and the President to hear me and support us in every way you can to solve the backlogs ASAP, and guarantee that this problem is solved once and for all, and no single ambitious kid and parent will have to go through the same scenario as me," Akshita said. According to Republican Hindu Coalition, there are nearly 200,000 children of legal immigrants-in-line from India, who have never broken the law, but who simply age out at 21 and have to go back, because their parents have a 60 year wait to get their green card after it is approved. "US Economy if it was to grow four per cent per year will need another 400,000 high-skilled workers added to the work force each year. Immigration reform needs to address this issue as well. The Hindu and Indian community has some anxiety related to Immigration issues," said Anil Sharma a member of the organizing team. Souptik Mukherjee, another member, said that for the high skilled professional with advanced degrees the green card wait seems to be endless. "Any initiative to move towards a merit- based immigration system is highly laudable."

Indian-Americans stage rare pro-Trump immigration rally to support merit-based system

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-was-a-tool-of-my-opponents-during-2016-presidential-elections-us-president-donald-trump-31715">FBI was a &#39;tool of my opponents&#39; during 2016 presidential elections: US president Donald Trump</a>

United States President Donald Trump said that the Nunes memo revealed how the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) were used to influence the presidential elections in 2016.

The President alleged that the FBI became a &quot;tool of anti-Trump political actors&quot; and dismissed it be a non-partisan enforcer of the law.

In a series of tweets, he said, &quot;The four-page memo released Friday reports the disturbing fact about how the FBI and FISA appear to have been used to influence the 2016 election and its aftermath....The FBI failed to inform the FISA court that the Clinton campaign had funded the dossier....the FBI became....&quot; a tool of anti-Trump political actors.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-pashtuns-carry-out-anti-pakistan-protest-wont-move-till-demands-met-31716">Islamabad: Pashtuns carry out anti-Pakistan protest, won&#39;t move till demands met</a>

Thousands of Pashtuns gathered outside the press club in Islamabad and chanted Azadi (Freedom) slogans by highlighting human rights violations against the community.

The participants of the Pashtun sit-in have refused to budge from their stated position until the government accepts their &ldquo;five-point charter of demand&rdquo; and arrest the suspended Malir SSP, Rao Anwar, besides ensuring the rule of law in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

They undertook a Long March demanding justice for Naqeeb Mahsood, a Pashtun killed in a fake police encounter on January 13 in Karachi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-pilot-killed-after-plane-downed-over-syria-31703">Russian jet shot down in Syria, pilot killed by militants</a>

A Russian pilot was killed Saturday in fighting with Islamists after his warplane was downed over northwest Syria, Russia&#39;s defence ministry and a monitor said.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a powerful jihadist-dominated alliance said, on an affiliated media channel it had shot down the plane but made no mention of the pilot.

&quot;We were able to bring down the Russian warplane with a shoulder-fired missile above Saraqib in Idlib this afternoon,&quot; said Mahmoud al-Turkmani who, according to the statement, heads HTS`s &quot;air defence brigade.&quot;

He said the attack was in retaliation for a ferocious bombing campaign by Russian warplanes over Idlib.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ankit-saxena-murder-delhis-khyala-area-remains-tense-31708">Ankit Saxena murder: Delhi&#39;s Khyala area remains tense</a>

Police kept a hawk-eyed vigil on west Delhi&#39;s Khayala area which was gripped by tension after a 23-year-old man was stabbed to death by the family members of a woman with whom he was in a relationship.

Ankit Saxena, a professional photographer, was killed on Thursday night in the area. The woman&#39;s family opposed her relationship with Saxena as the two belonged to different communities.

Four persons, including the brother of the woman, were nabbed a few hours after Saxena was stabbed to death by them.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/seven-turkish-soldiers-die-in-syria-including-five-in-tank-attack-31714">Seven Turkish soldiers die in Syria, including five in tank attack</a>

Seven Turkish soldiers were killed Saturday in Turkey&#39;s offensive against Kurdish militia inside Syria, including five who died in a single attack on a tank, the army said.

The losses marked the highest toll in one day for the Turkish military in operation &quot;Olive Branch&quot;, launched on January 20 against Syrian Kurdish People&#39;s Protection Units (YPG) militia seen by Ankara as a terror group.

The attack on the tank, details of which were not disclosed, was also the single deadliest attack on the military of the offensive so far.

 
&nbsp;

FBI was a 'tool of my opponents' during 2016 presidential elections: US president Donald Trump United States President Donald Trump said that the Nunes memo revealed how the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) were used to influence the presidential elections in 2016. The President alleged that the FBI became a "tool of anti-Trump political actors" and dismissed it be a non-partisan enforcer of the law. In a series of tweets, he said, "The four-page memo released Friday reports the disturbing fact about how the FBI and FISA appear to have been used to influence the 2016 election and its aftermath....The FBI failed to inform the FISA court that the Clinton campaign had funded the dossier....the FBI became...." a tool of anti-Trump political actors. Islamabad: Pashtuns carry out anti-Pakistan protest, won't move till demands met Thousands of Pashtuns gathered outside the press club in Islamabad and chanted Azadi (Freedom) slogans by highlighting human rights violations against the community. The participants of the Pashtun sit-in have refused to budge from their stated position until the government accepts their “five-point charter of demand” and arrest the suspended Malir SSP, Rao Anwar, besides ensuring the rule of law in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). They undertook a Long March demanding justice for Naqeeb Mahsood, a Pashtun killed in a fake police encounter on January 13 in Karachi. Russian jet shot down in Syria, pilot killed by militants A Russian pilot was killed Saturday in fighting with Islamists after his warplane was downed over northwest Syria, Russia's defence ministry and a monitor said. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a powerful jihadist-dominated alliance said, on an affiliated media channel it had shot down the plane but made no mention of the pilot. "We were able to bring down the Russian warplane with a shoulder-fired missile above Saraqib in Idlib this afternoon," said Mahmoud al-Turkmani who, according to the statement, heads HTS`s "air defence brigade." He said the attack was in retaliation for a ferocious bombing campaign by Russian warplanes over Idlib. Ankit Saxena murder: Delhi's Khyala area remains tense Police kept a hawk-eyed vigil on west Delhi's Khayala area which was gripped by tension after a 23-year-old man was stabbed to death by the family members of a woman with whom he was in a relationship. Ankit Saxena, a professional photographer, was killed on Thursday night in the area. The woman's family opposed her relationship with Saxena as the two belonged to different communities. Four persons, including the brother of the woman, were nabbed a few hours after Saxena was stabbed to death by them. Seven Turkish soldiers die in Syria, including five in tank attack Seven Turkish soldiers were killed Saturday in Turkey's offensive against Kurdish militia inside Syria, including five who died in a single attack on a tank, the army said. The losses marked the highest toll in one day for the Turkish military in operation "Olive Branch", launched on January 20 against Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia seen by Ankara as a terror group. The attack on the tank, details of which were not disclosed, was also the single deadliest attack on the military of the offensive so far.

WION news brief, February 4, 2018

The US Congress made no notable progress this week toward a deal on the status of 700,000 &quot;Dreamer&quot; immigrants, with President Donald Trump saying on Friday that one &quot;could very well not happen&quot; by a deadline next month.

Whether the lack of progress signalled the possibility of another federal government shutdown next week was unclear, but it worried the Dreamers, young people who were brought illegally into the United States as children.

Trump said last year that he would end by March 5 a program that was set up by former President Barack Obama to protect the Dreamers from deportation, and he urged Congress to act before that date. No action has resulted.

&quot;We want to make a deal,&quot; Trump said at an event in Virginia with US Customs and Border Protection officials. And he blamed Democratic lawmakers for the impasse.

&quot;I think they want to use it for political purposes for elections. I really am not happy with the way it&#39;s going from the standpoint of the Democrats,&quot; he said.

Democrats have said repeatedly that they want protections written into law for the Dreamers, who were given temporary legal status by Obama&#39;s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which lets them study and work in the United States without fear of deportation.

Republicans, who control Congress, are undecided on what to do about DACA and the Dreamers. They ended a three-day retreat at a mountain resort in West Virginia on Friday not much nearer to consensus than they were a week ago.

The partisan standoff caused a partial shutdown of the federal government for three days last month after Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending measure needed to keep the lights on at federal facilities across the country.

The House of Representatives plans to vote on Tuesday on legislation to keep federal agencies operating beyond Feb. 8, when existing funds expire, a senior House Republican aide said.

The aide did not provide details, however, on the duration of this latest-in-a-series of temporary funding measures.

Democrats have leverage on the immigration issue because their votes are needed to pass spending measures in the Senate.

The next spending deadline looms on Thursday, with Democrats defiant in their demands and Republicans remaining divided.

Four-Part Offer&nbsp;

Trump has offered the Dreamers a path to citizenship, but only on the condition he also gets funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border, as well as other immigration-related measures that Democrats oppose.

Last month, he proposed letting 1.8 million Dreamers stay in the country and become citizens in exchange for $25 billion for the wall, curbs on family-sponsored immigration, and an end to a visa lottery program.

Some lawmakers want Trump&#39;s four-part immigration framework pared back, while others want it approved or made even more strict on future immigration.

&quot;If we can solve DACA and border security that may be the best I can hope for,&quot; Senator John Thune, a member of the Republican leadership, told reporters at the retreat.

Senator James Lankford was among Republicans who said this week that Trump could give Congress more time to reach a deal by extending the Dreamers&#39; deadline beyond March 5.

Trump reiterated on Thursday at the retreat that all four components of his framework must be included in a deal, a stance viewed as unworkable by many lawmakers in both parties.

Some Republicans say the March 5 deadline lost its power last month when a federal court blocked the rescinding of DACA. That meant the law would remain in effect until the Supreme Court resolves the case, which is unlikely by March 5.

In a research note, financial firm Height Analytics set the odds of another shutdown next week at 65 per cent.

Republicans are trying to call Democrats&#39; bluff on DACA, but the Democrats look even more willing to allow a shutdown than they were last month, the analysts said. &quot;What this has become is a very absurd game of chicken,&quot; they said in the note.

The US Congress made no notable progress this week toward a deal on the status of 700,000 'Dreamer' immigrants, with President Donald Trump saying on Friday that one 'could very well not happen' by a deadline next month

The US Congress made no notable progress this week toward a deal on the status of 700,000 "Dreamer" immigrants, with President Donald Trump saying on Friday that one "could very well not happen" by a deadline next month. Whether the lack of progress signalled the possibility of another federal government shutdown next week was unclear, but it worried the Dreamers, young people who were brought illegally into the United States as children. Trump said last year that he would end by March 5 a program that was set up by former President Barack Obama to protect the Dreamers from deportation, and he urged Congress to act before that date. No action has resulted. "We want to make a deal," Trump said at an event in Virginia with US Customs and Border Protection officials. And he blamed Democratic lawmakers for the impasse. "I think they want to use it for political purposes for elections. I really am not happy with the way it's going from the standpoint of the Democrats," he said. Democrats have said repeatedly that they want protections written into law for the Dreamers, who were given temporary legal status by Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which lets them study and work in the United States without fear of deportation. Republicans, who control Congress, are undecided on what to do about DACA and the Dreamers. They ended a three-day retreat at a mountain resort in West Virginia on Friday not much nearer to consensus than they were a week ago. The partisan standoff caused a partial shutdown of the federal government for three days last month after Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending measure needed to keep the lights on at federal facilities across the country. The House of Representatives plans to vote on Tuesday on legislation to keep federal agencies operating beyond Feb. 8, when existing funds expire, a senior House Republican aide said. The aide did not provide details, however, on the duration of this latest-in-a-series of temporary funding measures. Democrats have leverage on the immigration issue because their votes are needed to pass spending measures in the Senate. The next spending deadline looms on Thursday, with Democrats defiant in their demands and Republicans remaining divided. Four-Part Offer Trump has offered the Dreamers a path to citizenship, but only on the condition he also gets funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border, as well as other immigration-related measures that Democrats oppose. Last month, he proposed letting 1.8 million Dreamers stay in the country and become citizens in exchange for $25 billion for the wall, curbs on family-sponsored immigration, and an end to a visa lottery program. Some lawmakers want Trump's four-part immigration framework pared back, while others want it approved or made even more strict on future immigration. "If we can solve DACA and border security that may be the best I can hope for," Senator John Thune, a member of the Republican leadership, told reporters at the retreat. Senator James Lankford was among Republicans who said this week that Trump could give Congress more time to reach a deal by extending the Dreamers' deadline beyond March 5. Trump reiterated on Thursday at the retreat that all four components of his framework must be included in a deal, a stance viewed as unworkable by many lawmakers in both parties. Some Republicans say the March 5 deadline lost its power last month when a federal court blocked the rescinding of DACA. That meant the law would remain in effect until the Supreme Court resolves the case, which is unlikely by March 5. In a research note, financial firm Height Analytics set the odds of another shutdown next week at 65 per cent. Republicans are trying to call Democrats' bluff on DACA, but the Democrats look even more willing to allow a shutdown than they were last month, the analysts said. "What this has become is a very absurd game of chicken," they said in the note.

No progress on 'Dreamers' as another US shutdown looms

President Trump today attacked the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-likely-to-approve-release-of-secret-surveillance-memo-31549">FBI and US Justice Department </a>for showing pro-Democrats bias, and working against Republicans.

In a tweet, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/andrew-mccabe-fbi-deputy-director-blasted-by-donald-trump-steps-down-31141">President said: &quot;The top leadership</a> and investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans - something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago.&quot;

&quot;Rank &amp; File are great people!, he added sarcastically in his tweet.

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The top Leadership and Investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans - something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago. Rank &amp; File are great people!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/959389424806191104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In another tweet soon after the US president said,&quot;You(FBI) had Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party try to hide the fact that they gave money to GPS Fusion to create a Dossier which was used by their allies in the Obama Administration to convince a Court misleadingly.&quot;

&quot;By all accounts, to spy on the Trump Team. Tom Fitton, JW,&quot; Trump added.

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&ldquo;You had Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party try to hide the fact that they gave money to GPS Fusion to create a Dossier which was used by their allies in the Obama Administration to convince a Court misleadingly, by all accounts, to spy on the Trump Team.&rdquo; Tom Fitton, JW
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/959393270144086016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trump&#39;s latest Twitter attack comes ahead of his expected decision to approve the release of a confidential Republican-drafted memo alleging abuse of authority in the FBI&#39;s probe of the US election campaign.

CNN had earlier reported that FBI Director Christopher Wray who was handpicked by Trump could resign if &nbsp;Trump goes ahead and approves the release of the secret memo.

The four-page memo reportedly reveals abuse at the FBI and Justice Department in connection with surveillance of a member of Trump&#39;s 2016 presidential campaign who had ties to Russia.

The four-page memo reportedly reveals abuse at the FBI and Justice Department

President Trump today attacked the FBI and US Justice Department for showing pro-Democrats bias, and working against Republicans. In a tweet, the President said: "The top leadership and investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans - something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago." "Rank & File are great people!, he added sarcastically in his tweet. The top Leadership and Investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans - something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago. Rank & File are great people! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2018 × In another tweet soon after the US president said,"You(FBI) had Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party try to hide the fact that they gave money to GPS Fusion to create a Dossier which was used by their allies in the Obama Administration to convince a Court misleadingly." "By all accounts, to spy on the Trump Team. Tom Fitton, JW," Trump added. “You had Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party try to hide the fact that they gave money to GPS Fusion to create a Dossier which was used by their allies in the Obama Administration to convince a Court misleadingly, by all accounts, to spy on the Trump Team.” Tom Fitton, JW — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2018 × Trump's latest Twitter attack comes ahead of his expected decision to approve the release of a confidential Republican-drafted memo alleging abuse of authority in the FBI's probe of the US election campaign. CNN had earlier reported that FBI Director Christopher Wray who was handpicked by Trump could resign if Trump goes ahead and approves the release of the secret memo. The four-page memo reportedly reveals abuse at the FBI and Justice Department in connection with surveillance of a member of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign who had ties to Russia.

Now, Trump attacks FBI, US Justice Department for 'favouring' Democrats

The US State Department&rsquo;s third-ranking official, Tom Shannon, is stepping down from his post, the department said on Thursday, becoming the latest senior diplomat to exit since President Donald Trump took office a year ago.

Shannon, who serves as under secretary of state for political affairs, is the top US career diplomat and has been a fixture among the nation&rsquo;s diplomatic ranks during more than 34 years of service. In a letter to department staff, Shannon, 60, said he was resigning for personal reasons.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Shannon agreed to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson&rsquo;s request that he stay on until his successor is named. Nauert said Shannon had served under six presidents and 10 secretaries of state.

&ldquo;My decision is personal, and driven by a desire to attend to my family, take stock of my life, and set a new direction for my remaining years,&rdquo; Shannon wrote.

His departure deprives the State Department of a seasoned veteran at a time of pressing diplomatic concerns including the threat posed by a nuclear-armed North Korea.

Tillerson in November said he was offended by claims that the State Department was being hollowed out under Trump, saying it was functioning well despite scathing criticism from former American diplomats including Nicholas Burns and Ryan Crocker.

The forcing out of many senior diplomats, the failure to nominate or to win Senate confirmation for officials to fill key agency roles, and a perception that Tillerson is inaccessible have eroded morale, according to current officials.

Shannon&rsquo;s departure is part of a steady stream of senior career diplomatic officers to leave since Trump became president in January 2017. His departure was first reported by the Associated Press.

Trump kept Shannon on board when he assumed the presidency and must now appoint a successor who would need Senate confirmation.

The US State Department’s third-ranking official, Tom Shannon, is stepping down from his post, the department said on Thursday, becoming the latest senior diplomat to exit since President Donald Trump took office a year ago

The US State Department’s third-ranking official, Tom Shannon, is stepping down from his post, the department said on Thursday, becoming the latest senior diplomat to exit since President Donald Trump took office a year ago. Shannon, who serves as under secretary of state for political affairs, is the top US career diplomat and has been a fixture among the nation’s diplomatic ranks during more than 34 years of service. In a letter to department staff, Shannon, 60, said he was resigning for personal reasons. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Shannon agreed to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s request that he stay on until his successor is named. Nauert said Shannon had served under six presidents and 10 secretaries of state. “My decision is personal, and driven by a desire to attend to my family, take stock of my life, and set a new direction for my remaining years,” Shannon wrote. His departure deprives the State Department of a seasoned veteran at a time of pressing diplomatic concerns including the threat posed by a nuclear-armed North Korea. Tillerson in November said he was offended by claims that the State Department was being hollowed out under Trump, saying it was functioning well despite scathing criticism from former American diplomats including Nicholas Burns and Ryan Crocker. The forcing out of many senior diplomats, the failure to nominate or to win Senate confirmation for officials to fill key agency roles, and a perception that Tillerson is inaccessible have eroded morale, according to current officials. Shannon’s departure is part of a steady stream of senior career diplomatic officers to leave since Trump became president in January 2017. His departure was first reported by the Associated Press. Trump kept Shannon on board when he assumed the presidency and must now appoint a successor who would need Senate confirmation.

No.3 US diplomat quits in latest departure under Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2018-govts-landmark-national-health-scheme-to-be-implemented-from-october-2nd-31610">Budget 2018: Govt&#39;s landmark national health scheme to be implemented from October 2nd</a>

The national health protection scheme announced in the Union Budget 2018 on Thursday will be implemented from October 2, reports said. A Niti Ayog official said the health insurance scheme proposed in the Budget will cost Rs 10,000-12,000 crore.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-figure-skating-champion-performs-ghoomar-on-ice-and-its-jaw-dropping-31608">Watch: Figure skating champion performs &#39;Ghoomar on ice&#39; and it&#39;s jaw-dropping</a>

Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s Padmaavat released on January 25 and has ever since raked in more than Rs 150 crore at the box office. The film has become such a hit among US and UK audiences, that women in San Francisco even dressed up like Deepika&#39;s character in the film to go watch the movie in theatres.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-attacks-fbi-us-justice-department-for-favouring-democrats-31607">Now, Trump attacks FBI, US Justice Department for &#39;favouring&#39; Democrats</a>

President Trump today attacked the FBI and US Justice Department for showing pro-Democrats bias, and working against Republicans. In a tweet, the President said: &quot;The top leadership and investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans - something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-in-photos-anushka-sharma-cant-get-over-husband-virat-kohlis-33rd-odi-century-31589">In Photos: Anushka Sharma can&#39;t get over husband Virat Kohli&#39;s 33rd ODI century</a>

Resting all doubts, Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli led the Indian team to a 6-wicket win against South Africa on their 1st ODI match in Durban. While the cricketer hit 112 from 119 balls to help his team get an easy win over South Africa, his wife and actress Anushka Sharma supported him on social media by posting sweet messages.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-24-surgeries-bangladesh-tree-man-relapses-31548">After 24 surgeries, Bangladesh &#39;tree man&#39; relapses</a>

A year ago Abul Bajandar, a Bangladeshi rickshaw-puller dubbed &quot;tree-man&quot; for the bark-like growths that once covered his body, appeared to have made a full recovery from the rare condition that has afflicted him for a decade. But twelve months after doctors declared him all but cured following 24 surgeries, Bajandar&#39;s hands are once again covered in the growths that characterise his rare condition. 
&nbsp;

Budget 2018: Govt's landmark national health scheme to be implemented from October 2nd The national health protection scheme announced in the Union Budget 2018 on Thursday will be implemented from October 2, reports said. A Niti Ayog official said the health insurance scheme proposed in the Budget will cost Rs 10,000-12,000 crore. Watch: Figure skating champion performs 'Ghoomar on ice' and it's jaw-dropping Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat released on January 25 and has ever since raked in more than Rs 150 crore at the box office. The film has become such a hit among US and UK audiences, that women in San Francisco even dressed up like Deepika's character in the film to go watch the movie in theatres. Now, Trump attacks FBI, US Justice Department for 'favouring' Democrats President Trump today attacked the FBI and US Justice Department for showing pro-Democrats bias, and working against Republicans. In a tweet, the President said: "The top leadership and investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department have politicized the sacred investigative process in favor of Democrats and against Republicans - something which would have been unthinkable just a short time ago." In Photos: Anushka Sharma can't get over husband Virat Kohli's 33rd ODI century Resting all doubts, Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli led the Indian team to a 6-wicket win against South Africa on their 1st ODI match in Durban. While the cricketer hit 112 from 119 balls to help his team get an easy win over South Africa, his wife and actress Anushka Sharma supported him on social media by posting sweet messages. After 24 surgeries, Bangladesh 'tree man' relapses A year ago Abul Bajandar, a Bangladeshi rickshaw-puller dubbed "tree-man" for the bark-like growths that once covered his body, appeared to have made a full recovery from the rare condition that has afflicted him for a decade. But twelve months after doctors declared him all but cured following 24 surgeries, Bajandar's hands are once again covered in the growths that characterise his rare condition.

WION Evening News Brief, February 2, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/as-india-unveils-budget-all-eyes-on-fiscal-deficit-target-31386">As India unveils budget today, all eyes on fiscal deficit target</a>

Facing discontent over falling farm incomes and a backlash following policy initiatives that have dented growth, Prime Minister Modi will be aiming to woo rural voters and small business owners.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-officer-detained-for-leaking-info-allegedly-to-pakistan-spy-31388">IAF officer detained for leaking information allegedly to Pakistani woman spy</a>

A team of the IAF&#39;s central security and investigation took the officer into custody, and currently, he is being interrogated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-abolishes-grid-girls-31391">Formula One ends use of &#39;grid girls&#39;</a>

F1 said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races was &#39;clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms&#39;.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-budget-less-transparent-bangladeshs-is-better-notes-anti-corruption-watchdog-31385">Indian budget &#39;incomprehensible&#39; to citizens: Transparency International</a>

The anti-corruption watchdog noted on Wednesday the fact that less transparency would trigger severe economic problems.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/letter-from-trump-prompts-african-leaders-to-refrain-from-criticising-him-31392">&#39;Shithole&#39; countries: Trump writes letter saying he respects Africa</a>

African leaders say they have decided, after the letter, to refrain from issuing a resolution criticising Trump.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As India unveils budget today, all eyes on fiscal deficit target Facing discontent over falling farm incomes and a backlash following policy initiatives that have dented growth, Prime Minister Modi will be aiming to woo rural voters and small business owners. IAF officer detained for leaking information allegedly to Pakistani woman spy A team of the IAF's central security and investigation took the officer into custody, and currently, he is being interrogated. Formula One ends use of 'grid girls' F1 said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races was 'clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms'. Indian budget 'incomprehensible' to citizens: Transparency International The anti-corruption watchdog noted on Wednesday the fact that less transparency would trigger severe economic problems. 'Shithole' countries: Trump writes letter saying he respects Africa African leaders say they have decided, after the letter, to refrain from issuing a resolution criticising Trump.

WION Morning News Brief, January 31, 2018

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